Is Husker Nation Being Too Negative? 

There’s no denying how last season ended. The 1–5 finish. The feeling of the missed “Year 3 leap.” The manner in which the Big Red lost the final three games. Even the usually Kool Aid-drinking Common Fans have had their share of frustrations during the offseason. 

But one thing hasn’t changed: nobody here is rooting against Matt Rhule. The best thing for the program would be for Rhule to figure out how to get Nebraska over the hump, and back to national relevance. 

Matt Rhule Has Already Raised the Floor

Two straight bowl games. Back-to-back winning seasons. A program that, objectively, is in a better place than it was three years ago. It’s not where anyone wants to be yet—but it’s much better than where we were.

Perhaps the progress of the last three years sometimes gets lost in the broader conversation. Husker fans should never apologize for wanting more, never apologize for expecting greatness. But we also must acknowledge that the program was at its lowest point in decades when Rhule took over. 

Rhule Doesn’t Stand Pat

One thing you can’t accuse Rhule of is standing still. The boys in red will enter the 2026 season with a new defensive coordinator, a new offensive line coach, a run game coordinator, and several high impact transfers. It’s important for Husker fans to acknowledge that, when something hasn’t worked, Rhule has owned it, and he’s made changes.

Could the Offense Finally Look Different?

This might be the biggest reason for optimism. A new, mobile quarterback with three years of starting experience at the Power Five level provides an opportunity for a fresh start. The Dylan Raiola era brought hype, attention, and expectations. But it also may have taken the program in a direction that ultimately wasn’t beneficial.

Add in what looks to be a significantly upgraded offensive line, weapons at wide receiver, and a young but promising running back room, and there’s a real path to something Nebraska hasn’t consistently had under Rhule: a physical, reliable run game.

Is the Tough Schedule Actually an Opportunity?

As has been discussed ad nauseum since the 2025 season ended, the 2026 schedule is a beast. Nebraska plays three playoff teams in Indiana, Ohio State, and Oregon, and the rest of the Big Ten schedule isn’t exactly a cake walk. 

But the difficulty of the schedule is also an opportunity. If Nebraska is going to take a real step forward, it has to show up in the biggest games anyway. Beat some times they’re not supposed to, and things around the program will start to feel different. 

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE!

Nebraska’s Dwindling Draft Performance Over the Past Several Years

The conversation starts with the NFL Draft—and what it says about Nebraska football. The numbers are pretty sobering.

We dig into the data showing Nebraska’s declining NFL draft production over the past two decades, including a staggering stat: Nebraska is one of only a few Power Four programs without a top-50 pick since 2012.

That’s not just a recruiting issue. That’s development. That’s evaluation. That’s everything. And until Nebraska starts consistently producing NFL-level talent again–whether through talent acquisition, development, or both–there will be a ceiling.

Can a “Developmental Program” Still Work in 2026?

Can “developmental programs” still succeed at the highest levels in today’s game? 

With the transfer portal, NIL, and instant roster turnover, the idea of waiting three to four years for players to develop feels…outdated. The guys debate whether Nebraska can still win that way—or if the sport has moved on.

Because right now, it feels like the Huskers are stuck in the middle: not elite in recruiting or development. 

The Money Conversation

Revenue sharing. NIL deals. $40 million rosters. Matt Rhule spending half his offseason fundraising like a politician.

Raising money has become a central necessity for coaches and athletic departments alike. 

The boys unpack what this means for Nebraska, and more importantly, where the Big Red actually stands. Because while it’s easy to say “we’re getting outspent,” the reality is more complicated.

And Then There’s Scott Frost

Of course, it wouldn’t be a Common Fan episode without a little chaos.

The guys react to Scott Frost’s recent comments about Nebraska—specifically, his reluctance to talk about his time in Lincoln and his take on the “pressure” of coaching at his alma mater.

That leads to a bigger question: is Nebraska really that different from every other major program…or was Frost just not built for it? The takes are…not subtle.

At the end of the day, this episode keeps circling back to the same truth: Talent matters. Development matters. Money matters. But eventually, it all has to show up on Saturdays.

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE!

The boys dive headfirst into the Big Red Rebuild—what fans are saying, and what it means for Nebraska football moving forward.

Is a $600 Million Stadium Renovation the Right Investment in the Right Place at the Right Time?

Nebraska hasn’t consistently won in a long time. How will fans respond to a massive stadium renovation?

We break down the reality behind the numbers—what’s actually being funded (deferred maintenance plus fan experience), where the money is coming from (donors plus bonds), and why this probably isn’t as simple as “just spend it on players.”

Still…it’s fair for fellow common fans to ask the question. When you see programs like Texas Tech suddenly spending like drunken sailors to load up on talent (and making the playoff because of it), fans may wonder: could some of those dollars be used differently?

Is Stadium vs. Roster the Wrong Question?

Is this really an either/or decision? Or is it about growing the pie?

The guys talk through the difference between one-time donor gifts (that often come with naming rights and legacy appeal) versus the ongoing, annual grind of funding a roster in the NIL era. It’s not apples to apples.

But it won’t stop fans from wondering, and this will likely be a discussion topic in Husker Nation for years to come. 

What Happens If the Team Doesn’t Win?

A renovated stadium is great. Premium seating, 360-degree concourse, bigger video boards—even for old souls who just want to cheer on the Big Red, it sounds pretty cool (not to mention seatbacks for everyone!).

But none of it matters if the product on the field doesn’t improve. Because the reality is this: 

• Ticket prices are going to go up.
• Required donations are going to go up. 
• And that means expectations are going way up.

And if Nebraska is still sitting at six or seven wins in 2028 with a shiny new stadium, that will be a problem.

An Investment in the Fans

The crew cites Tom Shatel of the Omaha World Herald, who makes one of the more compelling arguments in favor of the project: this is an investment in Nebraska fans.

The idea is simple: reward the people who keep showing up. The same fans who have kept the sellout streak alive through two decades of frustration.

Make Memorial Stadium not just historic, but modern. A place people want to spend an entire Saturday. A place where people want to attend concerts, big events…and even get married. 

If done right, it could make one of the best environments in college football even better.

You Can’t Replace Memorial Stadium…Right?

One detail that caught everyone’s attention: Nebraska at least explored the idea of building a brand new stadium.

That…does not go over well with the boys from Lincoln.

It’s All About the Ws

At the end of the day, this conversation keeps coming back to the same place: everything comes back to winning.

You can upgrade the stadium. You can enhance the experience. You can modernize everything. But eventually, the product put on the field by Nebraska football has to match it.

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE!

This week, the Common Fans take on a slightly uncomfortable question about Nebraska football: are we part of the problem? Not the administration. Not the coaches. Not the players.

The fans.

It’s a conversation that came directly from the Common Fan community, and it turns into an honest, passionate, wide-ranging discussion about the role of the fans, and whether or not our passion has inadvertently made it harder for the football team to get back to its winning ways. 

Does an Empty Seat Speak Louder Than a Filled One?

Nebraska’s sellout streak is one of the most iconic things in college football. It’s a badge of honor for the fan base. It’s a recruiting tool for the team and the coaching staff. It’s a point of pride from Omaha to Scottsbluff. 

But…what if it’s also part of the issue?

We dig into whether constant support from the fans, no matter the results, has removed any real pressure on the people running the program. Would fewer fans in the stands send a stronger message? Or would it just create more instability in a program that’s already had plenty of it?

Are Husker Fans Too Loyal…or Too Intense?

On one hand, Nebraska fans show up. To borrow a phrase from Tom Shatel that the boys reference regularly, Nebraska football fans are undefeated against apathy. That’s one of the things that makes Husker football special. 

On the other hand, that same passion creates a “fishbowl” dynamic: a level of scrutiny and expectation that’s hard to fully understand unless you’ve lived it. From message boards to social media to talk radio to podcasts and beyond, there are more outlets than ever for frustration, criticism, and, let’s be honest, occasional insanity (the fellas point out they are proud to be part of the insane in this case).

So the question becomes: does that environment help drive success…or quietly work against it?

Great Expectations

At some point, this conversation always comes back to expectations.

Are we projecting 1990s-era expectations of dominance onto today’s players and coaches? And if we are…is that unfair? Or is that exactly what makes Nebraska Nebraska?

Because the reality is, for a lot of us, this isn’t just a team. It’s part of our identity. It’s basement walls covered in memorabilia. It’s part of our family tradition. It’s Saturdays in the fall. It’s something that’s been woven into the fabric of who we are for decades.

And if we let go of those expectations, we risk ceasing being what has always made us great. 

So…Who Actually Deserves the Blame?

If it’s not the fans, then who?

When you step back and look at the last 20+ years, one thing stands out: Nebraska hasn’t acted like a blue blood when it comes to hiring coaches. Fired NFL coaches. First-time head coaches. “Value brand” hires. These were huge misses that feel obvious in hindsight and, when taken together, combined to set the program back to a level we could never have imagined 20 years ago.

The Program’s Greatest Asset

At the end of the day, this fan base is still here. Still showing up. Still caring. Still investing time, money, and emotion into something that hasn’t given enough back in a long time.

And the boys decide that’s not the problem. Maybe that’s the one thing that still gives Nebraska a chance to get this right. 

At the end of the day, this is the life we’ve chosen, and there is only one guarantee: Husker Nation doesn’t need to apologize for anything. 

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE!

The boys dive into this question and much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast!

Everything But Football School?

The crew kicks things off by celebrating Fred Hoiberg being named National Coach of the Year—and what that means for the future of Nebraska basketball. The investment is going up, the fan base is all-in, and for the first time in maybe forever, it feels sustainable.

Beyond hoops, the baseball and softball teams are rolling (and ranked!), volleyball is a national powerhouse, and wrestling, track, bowling…you name it, the Cornhusker athletic teams are firing on all cylinders. There’s significant momentum across Troy Dannen’s department, and Nebraska is relevant again in a lot of places.

Nothing Can Replace Football

Even with the success of all the other sports, when Husker football isn’t competitive, something’s missing and everyone can feel it. Nebrasketball’s run and having the other sports show up certainly help things, and they make the long football offseason go by quicker. But this school and this fan base need Nebraska football to get back to being nationally competitive. 

What is the View of Rhule Among the Fan Base? 

How bad is it out there? How much of the fan base is truly out on Rhule? It’s clear people are frustrated, but what’s not clear is what percentage of the fan base actually wants him gone, versus how many people are simply getting nervous, and hoping he can figure it out.   

And the boys ask – is all this hand wringing and gnashing of teeth fair? Is it impatience? Residual frustration from the last 20 years? Or is it the combination of talking a big game without enough results to back it up? The guys debate whether Husker fans need to relax—or if the skepticism is justified.

What Do the Numbers Say About 2026?

The early SP+ rankings are out, and they provide a sobering reminder. While not everyone buys into the SP+ rankings, they are at least a data point, and they illustrate the challenge for this coming season. Nebraska sits at #37, but will face three top-5 teams, and three others currently ranked ahead of them. 

Are We Closer Than It Feels…or Further Away Than Ever?

The most maddening part is that Nebraska hasn’t been getting blown out. They’ve been close. That’s been a painful reality for more than a decade. But the Big Red have been on the losing end of way too many of those contests, and that’s what’s driving fans crazy.

There’s a lot to like right now in Lincoln. But until football matches the rest, something’s always going to feel incomplete.

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE!

Nebrasketball Resets the Standard

From the first NCAA Tournament win in program history to a Sweet 16 run that had the entire fan base locked in, this wasn’t just a “nice season.” It felt bigger than that.

We talk about what this run meant—not just in the moment, but long-term. The way it pulled in casual fans. The way it created core memories for kids. The way it turned Nebraska basketball into our team for a few weeks in March.

Is this the new baseline? Or was this lightning in a bottle?

Why Did It Have to Be Iowa?

Let’s just get it out.

If Nebraska loses to a one-seed, we all tip our cap and move on. But losing to Iowa—after leading for most of the game—adds an entirely different layer.

We unpack why that matchup felt different, why the loss hit harder, and how it somehow managed to be the most Nebraska ending imaginable. From missed shots late…to that moment with four players on the floor…it all felt painfully familiar. And a lot of that goes back to football. 

And then we collectively agree: we’re done talking about Iowa (for now).

Where Was Nebraska Football This Spring?

In one of the strangest developments of the offseason, football just…took a back seat.

With basketball dominating the conversation, and disappointment from the 2025 season still lingering, spring ball came and went with far less hype than we’re used to. The boys discuss why that might actually be a good thing—and whether “flying under the radar” is exactly where this program needs to be right now.

What’s the Football Version of This Basketball Run?

If what we just experienced with basketball felt like a breakthrough…what’s the equivalent for football?

Is it making the playoff? Winning 9–10 games? Just being in the conversation again?

And maybe the bigger question: would one season be enough to reset the narrative—or does this fan base need to see it for a sustained period of time?

Spring Ball Takeaways

Brandon gives his main takeaways from the Spring Game and spring ball in general. We dive into:

• Why the defense is the biggest swing factor
• What Tony C brings to the offense (and the risk that comes with it)
• Whether this team can finally generate something unexpected
• And why “prove it mode” is still the only mindset that matters

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE!

What should we make of Nebraska’s 2026 projected win total?

The conversation then turns to FanDuel’s early over/under for how many games the Nebraska football team will win in 2026. It opened at 5.5, quickly moved to 6.5, and that number says a lot about where the outside world sees this program right now. The boys dig into what that means, why expectations have dropped so considerably, and whether that might actually be a good thing (at least for now). For once, Nebraska is not winning the offseason. There’s not much hype. There’s not much juice. And maybe, just maybe, that’s better than the annual offseason national championships.

Does Matt Rhule need a Fred Hoiberg season?

Watching Nebraska basketball explode past expectations this year naturally raises the question: can Matt Rhule do the same with football? Fred Hoiberg’s team wasn’t just “better than expected.” It shattered expectations. It changed the conversation. It reset belief in the entire program for years to come. That’s the kind of season Nebraska football badly needs. Not necessarily a playoff run, but a season that feels undeniably different. A season that makes fans stop bracing for disappointment and start believing the trajectory has finally changed.

The fellas wrestle with what that would actually look like. Is 7-5 enough if the team looks better? Is 8-4 the line where people finally exhale? And how much of Nebraska’s long, strange post-Osborne drift is about unrealistic expectations… versus just repeatedly hiring the wrong guys?

Can Husker fans still enjoy the ride?

The episode closes with some love for Nebraska basketball, some NCAA tournament hype, and a reminder that this has been one of the most enjoyable Husker sports years in a long time. The footballization of fandom has made everybody a little insane, but the guys make the case for stepping back and appreciating what’s happening — even while still demanding more from football.

Ending with Gratitude

The crew also reflects on just how invested they got in the aforementioned bracket challenge, and how cool it was to see so many Common Fans show up and vote. There’s a lot of gratitude here — and also a lot of laughing at themselves for how emotionally attached they got to a Twitter poll. But bottomline: we’re so grateful to all the Common Fans who have joined us on this ride, and can’t wait for a lot more fun and frivolity to come! 

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE!

Bring Back the Wingback

Before diving into the current state of Nebraska football, the guys spend time with Clester reflecting on his own story, from growing up in Memphis, to starring at quarterback at Bellevue West, and eventually becoming a Husker.

Clester shares how Tom Osborne’s leadership helped turn things around when he hit a crossroads early in Lincoln, and how a mindset shift and a position switch to wingback changed the course of his career. It’s a fascinating glimpse into the mentality of those championship-era teams and the standard that made Nebraska great.

Tom Osborne’s Influence

Clester’s stories about Osborne alone are worth the listen. He talks about TO’s presence, wisdom, and the way he could challenge players without calling them out by name. One speech in particular stuck with Clester for life — a message about accountability, distractions, and whether players were really doing everything they could to become the best version of themselves.

The Frost Era, Loyalty, and Accountability

The conversation also takes a more serious turn when the guys ask Clester about a tweet he recently sent regarding Scott Frost, the people around him, and the larger failures that deepened Nebraska’s slide. CJ does not duck the topic. 

He explains that he was excited when Frost came back and believed, like many fans did, that Frost was the right choice. But when things began to unravel, he became frustrated with the people inside the program and around the program–especially former players–who protected personalities instead of staying committed to the standard.

It is an honest, thoughtful discussion about accountability, loyalty, and why Nebraska’s problems have gone far beyond just one coach.

The Future Under Matt Rhule

The boys also discuss Matt Rhule and the current state of Nebraska football. Clester gives his candid read on Matt Rhule, and why 2026 feels like a massive year.

There’s still hope. There’s still belief that Nebraska can get back. But Clester makes it clear: this season has to look like progress. Real progress. Not spin. Not promises. Not another reset.

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE! 

If Nebraska is going to take a step forward in 2026, who HAS to hit?

After the way last season ended–and with Ohio State, Oregon, Indiana, Illinois, Washington, and Iowa waiting on this year’s schedule–this fan base is firmly in prove-it mode. If the Huskers are to actually prove it in 2026, which guys absolutely have to hit–or perhaps even exceed–their potential this season? 

• Tony C: It’s probably the most obvious of the bunch. Quarterback is the most important position in sports, and Anthony Colandrea is expected to be the guy in 2026. The career stats are strong (7,500+ passing yards, 1,100+ rushing yards, improved TD/INT ratio in 2025), but the Big Ten jump is still the unknown. 
• Elijah Pritchett: Can the offensive line actually be a strength? That’s where a lot of Nebraska’s investment went in the offseason, but the Common Fans agree the most important piece is a guy who has already been on the roster for a year. The Alabama transfer looked shaky early in 2025, but eventually started to look like Nebraska’s best lineman. The season might hinge on whether or not Pritchett becomes the anchor of Nebraska’s O line.
• Mekhi Nelson: We haven’t seen a lot of Nelson in two seasons as a Husker, but part of that is because he was behind the great Emmett Johnson. He looked solid in the bowl game, and when you add in a mobile QB, new transfer offensive linemen, and two new O-line coaches, the run game should be as well positioned as it has been in years. Somebody has to step into the Emmett-sized void. In order for the Huskers to surprise some people in 2026, it needs to be Nelson. 
• Riley Van Poppel: Husker fans have been waiting for RVP to dominate. Perhaps scheme/fit was part of the problem last year; he’ll get a fresh start with a new position coach, new defensive coordinator, and new scheme. Hopefully it plays to Van Poppel’s strengths; Nebraska sure needs it to. 
• Owen Chambliss: The San Diego State transfer already knows the system and shows real instincts. The Big Red felt short-handed at linebacker at times last season (even with Vincent Shavers being a beast). Nebraska needs an “eraser;” a guy who turns what should’ve been seven yards into two. If Chambliss hits, the whole defense gets better.
• Cam Lenhardt: It’s been way too long since Nebraska consistently made quarterbacks uncomfortable. The tools are there. Now it’s time for the breakout season: tackles for loss, sacks, havoc, and the kind of blindside strip-sack that makes you yell so loud your neighbors consider calling somebody.

Honorable mentions and the real point

Yes, the receivers matter; Jacory Barney, Nyziah Hunter, and Kwazi Gilmer have to make plays (and maybe stay upright), and the room has depth and upside. The boys also discuss Carter Nelson, Cortez Mills, and some other talented youngsters who might take a step forward.

And on defense, the DBs have been solid… but the takeaway numbers have to rise. Because most fans won’t see 6–6 as progress, no matter how challenging the schedule–especially not with every other Husker sport winning games and raising expectations. Nebraska needs impact players to actually hit.

Keep it simple, Common Fans: enjoy spring ball… and vote for the Common Fans on Tuesday!

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE! 

What’s the biggest question facing Nebraska football right now?

Gary put it in a way that hits a nerve: Matt Rhule has to rebuild trust with a fan base that watched the bottom fall out late last season. It wasn’t just the record — it was the feeling that the foundation was cracking. The defense that was supposed to be Rhule’s calling card slipped. The team looked worn down. And Husker fans are left wondering what they should believe about this team going into the 2026 season. 

At the same time, there’s a weird upside to the current vibe: Nebraska isn’t winning the offseason as loudly this year. Fewer headlines. More “lay low and work.” After years of offseason championships, that might be exactly what this fan base needs.

Mixed signals about the future of the offense

The discussion naturally swung to the quarterback conversation, with Anthony Colandrea likely to take the reins as QB1 in the coming season. Gary framed it as something Nebraska hasn’t had in a while: real swagger at quarterback. Not performative swagger. Not “run out first and act like it means something” swagger. Real, fearless swagger.

And that matters because it changes what Dana Holgorsen can do. The question we keep asking remains an open question: what offense is Dana running? How different will it look from the last three years? It depends on the QB, and it depends on whether the offensive line becomes what Nebraska thinks it can be — older, more athletic, and capable of letting the offense actually stress defenses with a power run game, motion, mesh, and using the middle of the field.

What’s the position group that should worry everyone?

The crew agrees: it’s the defensive line. Until we see pressure, disruption, and proof Nebraska can hold up in November, it’s the biggest concern. Nebraska has not run the ball or stopped the run nearly consistently enough, especially late in the season. Can this year’s D line be different? 

But the episode also offers a hopeful twist: the decision to run it back with many of the same defensive linemen might be an indication that the staff thinks last year was a scheme/fit problem, and not so much a talent problem. Will a new position coach and a different scheme unlock more production from the same players? 

What does success actually look like in 2026?

Gary laid out three things that would be signs of progress in year four for Matt Rhule. All three are things that Nebraska hasn’t done in the Rhule era (or much of the last 10 years):

• Beat a ranked team
• Win at home consistently
• Be better in November than September

Everyone agrees: even if they get to six or seven wins, progress has to look like something more than just surviving.

And yes: Vote for the Common Fans!

The Common Fans survived Round 1 of Mike’l Severe’s bracket competition among local sports podcasts, beating Nebraska Basketball Hour 52% to 48%. They now stare down the barrel of a showdown with number one seed, the Pick Six Podcast. It’s David vs. Goliath. MySpace vs. Facebook. Whatever analogy you need — we are shamelessly asking for votes.

Remember–enjoy spring ball!

Even with so many questions, it’s OK to be excited for football! Embrace the spring practice period, start gearing up for fall, and allow a little optimism to creep back in. 

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE! 

What did Moos actually say about Scott Frost?

The boys dig into the disclosure that’s perhaps drawing the most attention: Moos claiming he knew Frost wasn’t ready, but hired him anyway. Severe gives his take on why that explanation doesn’t really hold water, and the crew breaks down what an incredible failure of leadership it is to make such a decision. More broadly, many of Moos’ revelations fit the entire Frost-era vibe — the sweatpants energy, the weird decision-making, and the constant feeling that something was missing for Nebraska football.

Running from Rutgers? Running from Oklahoma? Running from… the Big Ten?

We talk through the reported moments where Frost allegedly didn’t want to play the 2020 Rutgers crossover game, didn’t want to play in a bowl game, and even tried to get out of the 2021 Oklahoma game — a game Husker fans had circled for years. While these individual stories have been covered in the past, Moos provides additional context from some of the more embarrassing moments of the Frost era. 

Then we pivot to Moos’ claim that Nebraska leadership was at least exploring a return to the Big 12. The crew agrees, that’s the ultimate “tuck your tail and run” move, and it taps into a core frustration fans feel: if Nebraska wants to be relevant again, you don’t back out of one of the premier conferences in college athletics…you figure out how to win in it.

Is it really that dysfunctional up there?

This episode hits the nerve Husker fans have felt many times before: the sense that the leadership surrounding Nebraska athletics is a dysfunctional mess. Moos’ book, Severe argues, essentially confirms what fans have feared: too many bosses, too many people holding the hammers, too many people trying to curry favor and operate behind the scenes. The boys also lament the fact that Nebraska athletics can feel like a small-town coffee shop where everybody knows something… but nobody says it out loud until years later.

Dana Altman and the politics of decision-making.

One of Moos’ biggest non-football revelations was the fact that he wanted to hire Dana Altman to be Nebraska’s basketball coach, but was overruled by then-Regent (now-Governor) Jim Pillen. The boys uniformly agree: it’s not a matter of Altman vs. Fred Hoiberg, but at the time, the vast majority of Husker fans would have celebrated the hiring of Altman. Severe calls it what it is: powerful people making sports decisions they aren’t qualified to make.

So where are Husker fans right now?

The timing of Moos’ book doesn’t exactly help the offseason vibes for Husker football fans. TJ points out that last year’s way-too-early schedule preview episode did 3,000+ views… this year’s struggled to hit 500. Severe compares the mood to 2002, when fans were disappointed, skeptical, and waiting to see if change was real. 

He does offer some hope — returning production on defense, optimism about the staff changes, and a path where Nebraska rebounds — and that’s where we wrap up. Mike’l exhorts Husker fans to stick with it. Nebraska basketball looked hopeless for decades… and now they are in the midst of their greatest season in history. The same can happen for the football program. 

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE! 

Is the non-conference slate “boring”… or exactly what Nebraska needs?

Ohio, Bowling Green, and North Dakota aren’t going to sell out your emotional bandwidth like a Colorado or Oklahoma home-and-home — but the Common Fans make the point: in the playoff era, wins are more important than anything else. We talk about the Solich Bowl (and whether Frank shows up wearing a half-Ohio/half-Nebraska shirt), the eternal danger of MAC teams knocking off Power 4 teams, and what we hope to see in the first three contests of the year, before the reality of Big Ten play smacks us in the face. 

Can Nebraska get to 6 wins with room to spare?

We zero in on the true “must-win” Big Ten tier — Michigan State, Maryland, and Rutgers — and debate what “take care of business” actually looks like for a program still searching for consistency. Matty breaks down the “who do they play the week before?” logic, Nic brings the MAC scouting report like a true sicko, and TJ lays out the uncomfortable truth: if you can’t beat the teams you’re supposed to beat, even a bowl game might be in jeopardy.

What does “prove it” look like in Year 4 of Matt Rhule?

It’s been a common theme for the Common Fans this offseason: Nebraska fans are tired of offseason championships and moral victories. We talk about identity (does Nebraska even know who it is?), the portal/fresh staff reality, and why the bar in 2026 isn’t “be competitive.” It’s “win one you’re not supposed to.” That leads straight into the monster stretch: Indiana (yes, the national champs), Oregon in Eugene, and Ohio State coming to town.

Is this schedule actually as impossible as everyone is acting like it is?

Here’s the core thesis: if Nebraska does what it should do — win the non-conference games and beat Michigan State/Maryland/Rutgers — you’re sitting at 6 wins (understanding that Nebraska football is not in a place to take anyone for granted). From there, how many wins can they get against the following: Washington, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Oregon, and Ohio State. The Common Fans argue Nebraska fans shouldn’t preemptively accept mediocrity just because the schedule looks scary in February.

And finally…Nebraska needs to beat Iowa.

We don’t sugarcoat it. The frustration is real, the history is painful, and the “we should have won” list is long enough to qualify as an audiobook. MattyO calls it the thorn in the paw. Nic says the quiet part out loud: “If you can’t beat Iowa, what are we doing here?” Geoff brings the November doom. TJ admits he needs to see it before he can pick it.

This episode is part coping mechanism, part therapy session, and part offseason adrenaline shot. We go game-by-game, talk ourselves into optimism, talk ourselves back out of it, and then somehow end up planning a group trip to Oregon for the big one against the Ducks. 

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE! 

What does Matt Rhule have to do in 2026?

The schedule is nasty. The fanbase is restless. And “progress” isn’t going to feel like progress unless Nebraska finally beats somebody it’s not supposed to beat. We talk big-picture identity, what Indiana’s rise tells us is possible, and why “prove-it mode” might be the most honest place Nebraska has been in years.

The intrigue surrounding Anthony Colandrea

Evan shares nuggets from his reporting on Colandrea’s background, his path through the transfer portal, and why Nebraska’s late pivot might end up shaping the entire season. The crew talks style of play, the “gunslinger” element, and why a quarterback who can move isn’t just a luxury in college football — it might be the difference between punting and putting a team away.

Plus – Colandrea’s career turnover numbers come up (because they have to), but so does the bigger point: Nebraska has watched quarterbacks turn it over anyway — and still struggle to extend drives. If you’re going to live with some chaos, wouldn’t you rather get the explosive plays and third-down magic that come with it?

Is Dana Holgorsen finally going to cook?

The boys assess how the combination of a new direction at quarterback, the impressive transfer portal additions on the offensive line, and two new offensive line coaches might actually unlock the Holgorsen offense fans have been waiting to see. Will we see a run-first offense that also incorporates some of the dynamic elements Holgorsen is known for? 

Portal grade: Are we upgraded… or still incomplete?

Evan gives his overall portal grade, with clear “wins” (hello, offensive line and linebacker) and the one area that continues to hang over everything like a storm cloud: the defensive line. The Huskers need their D line portal additions to hit, and they need some young Blackshirts to take the next step in 2026.

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE! 

The boys go position-by-position through Nebraska’s portal haul, grading each group and discussing lingering questions. Along the way, the conversation keeps circling back to one central theme: we won’t know for sure until the Huskers prove it on the field in the fall. 

A Reset at Quarterback

Nebraska’s quarterback room went from sparse to crowded in a matter of days. After Dylan Raiola’s departure and the brief Lenny Minchey saga, the Huskers pivoted quickly, landing Anthony Colandrea from UNLV and welcoming Daniel KaeIin back into the fold.

Colandrea brings proven production, mobility, and a fearless play style that Nebraska simply hasn’t had at quarterback — the kind of player who can turn broken plays into first downs. Add in KaeIin, TJ Lateef, and mobile 2026 addition Vibabul, and suddenly the Huskers have competition and depth again. It’s not a guarantee of success, but it’s a much healthier foundation than where things stood just weeks ago.

The Trenches Tell the Real Story

If there’s one place Nebraska clearly prioritized in the portal, it’s the offensive line. The additions of Brendan Black (from Iowa State), Tree Babalade (from South Carolina), and Paul Mubanga (from LSU), paired with the hiring of not one but two offensive line coaches, make the message unmistakable: Nebraska wants to pound the rock.

The boys are anxious to see how Matt Rhule’s squad goes about building an offense that can run the ball, protect a mobile quarterback, and control games late — something Husker fans have been begging for going back many years, across multiple coaching staffs. Whether it works remains to be seen, but philosophically, this feels like a meaningful shift rather than another offseason slogan.

The Most Underwhelming Position May Have Been the Most Important

The most uncomfortable part of the conversation centers on the defensive line. Nebraska needed help stopping the run and getting after the quarterback, and while the Huskers added three players to their D line room, it’s fair to wonder whether enough difference-makers arrived.

BC explains why the portal can be ruthless at that position — top-tier defensive linemen disappear fast, prices soar, and schools are often forced to choose where to spend their resources. Nebraska appears to have chosen the offensive line over chasing elite defensive line talent, betting instead on development, retention, and a new defensive system to unlock more from the players already on the roster.

That bet may define the season.

Linebackers, the Secondary, and a Bet on Continuity

Linebacker quietly emerges as one of the stronger portal groups, highlighted by Owen Chambliss, who knows new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich’s system and could become a centerpiece immediately. Additions in the secondary, especially Dwayne McDougal, aim to stabilize the back end after a late-season collapse.

Just as notable, though, is where Nebraska didn’t add — namely at running back. BC explains why the staff appears comfortable betting the existing room after Emmett Johnson’s departure.

What It All Means Heading Into 2026

This episode isn’t a victory lap or a doom spiral. It’s a reality check. The big questions remain unanswered:

• Can a more mobile quarterback unlock the offense?
• Will the rebuilt offensive line deliver?
• And can the defense, especially up front, take a real step forward?

Those answers won’t come until fall. But for now, the roster is in place as Husker Nation waits for spring ball.

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE!

Should We Be Concerned About Special Teams? 

• This question has become very real, very fast — because the smoke around Mike Ekeler potentially leaving Nebraska is starting to feel like a forest fire. The guys react to Matt Rhule’s pointed public comments, and take issue with some of his seemingly passive aggressive digs at Ekeler. Bottom line: if Ekeler goes, yes, special teams becomes a concern again.
• Ekeler is the one assistant under this staff who has proven he can flip a unit overnight — and after two years of special teams misery prior to Ek’s arrival, it’s hard to just assume Nebraska will stay solid without him. Rhule insists the system will remain and other coaches can carry it forward… but the Common Fans aren’t ready to grant that benefit of the doubt without seeing it.

Will the Transfer Portal Additions Make All the Difference? 

• Going into a critical fourth season of the Matt Rhule era, “nice additions” aren’t enough — Nebraska needs hits, not just rotational guys. The guys agree: for this roster to take a real step forward, 80–90% of these additions need to be meaningful contributors, especially on both lines of scrimmage.
• The discussion keeps circling back to the same reality: Nebraska is building a roster that looks older, more experienced, and more physically ready — but the portal additions need to prove it on the field. The portal class might not solve everything, but it has to solve enough to keep Nebraska from getting shoved around again.

How Will the Offense Change with Anthony Colandrea Under Center? 

• If Colandrea is THE GUY for 2026, the Common Fans are begging for one thing: an actual offensive identity. With every quarterback on the roster now more mobile than Dylan Raiola, plus new offensive line coaching hires (including a run game coordinator), the expectation is clear: more movement, more RPOs/zone read, more designed QB run threats, and a real commitment to pounding the rock.
• But there’s still the Dana Holgorsen question: can he evolve, adjust, and build something dynamic… or are we headed for more “great scripted start, then total confusion” football? The offseason theme holds: we’ll believe it when we see it.

Can Rob Aurich Pull a Bo Pelini?

• In 2003, Frank Solich hired a young defensive coordinator by the name of Bo Pelini. The team’s defense drastically improved, forcing a school record 44 turnovers and helping the team to a 9 win season after going 7-7 the year before. 
• After the final three games of the 2025 season, Nebraska needs that kind of defensive flip right now. The guys talk about what’s encouraging: new defensive coordinator Rob Aurich’s track record getting after the quarterback, new defensive staff, and bringing a couple of trusted players with him to help install the system. 
• The bottom line? Nebraska needs a defense that can stop the run, pressure the QB, and get off the field on third down. Anything less won’t cut it with the brutal schedule in 2026.

The Common Fans will be here all offseason to walk through the chaos — and as soon as the Big Ten drops the official schedule, you can bet the way-too-early predictions episode is coming.

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE! 

A New Year, A New QB Room

• Nebraska’s quarterback room has been completely remade heading into 2026. After the brief “Lenny Minchey Era” came and went in about 24 hours, the Big Red pivoted fast.
• The Huskers land UNLV standout Anthony Colandrea, a dual-threat with over 7,500 career passing yards, 1,100 rushing yards, and 61 total touchdowns.
• Even better: Bellevue West product and Elite 11 QB Danny Kaelin is coming home, giving Nebraska three scholarship QBs (Colandrea, Kaelin, and TJ Lateef) with real D1 experience to compete for the starting job next season. 
• The guys talk about fit, upside, and why having an experienced QB room matters more than ever in the portal era.

Building in the Trenches: O-Line, D-Line, and Development

• On offense, Nebraska has two returning anchors (Justin Evans Jenkins and Elijah Pritchett) and three big portal additions from South Carolina, Iowa State, and LSU.
• Is this an indictment of a certain former staffer’s offensive line development… or just the reality of needing to win now in Year 4? The crew wrestles with that question. 
• On defense, multiple new faces arrive at linebacker and along the defensive line, but the harsh reality is these can’t just be depth pieces — they all have to hit.
• The crew also kicks around a bigger philosophical question: in the portal era, is true “development” dying, or does Nebraska still have to be a developmental program at its core?

Raiola to Oregon, Ekeler Rumors, and More

• Dylan Raiola to Oregon: should he have put out some sort of message or announcement thanking Nebraska and Husker fans? Do we really care?
• And how might Husker handle it if he lights it up for the Ducks? 
• Rumblings about Special Teams Coordinator Mike Ekeler potentially drawing interest elsewhere have the boys practically shouting into the mic: “Pay that man his money.”

The Common Fans also give a special shoutout to the Nebraska Men’s Basketball team as they continue to chase Husker hoops history. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE! 

Check out this supplemental episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE! 

Kenny Minchey Transfers to Nebraska

• The news broke right before the Common Fans hit record: Notre Dame QB Kenny Minchey is headed to Lincoln.
• Geoff in Lincoln breaks down what Husker fans are getting: a QB with a big arm, the ability to push the ball downfield, and (importantly) some mobility—something the crew has been begging to see integrated into Nebraska’s offensive identity.
• The boys are excited to see more from Minchey, but also admit they are officially in “show me” mode.

The Las Vegas Bowl: A Fast Start, Then the Same Old Movie

• Nebraska scored on its first two possessions by shoving the ball down Utah’s throat, and for a moment it felt like the Huskers might actually belong on the same field.
• Then the bottom fell out — again. The defense couldn’t stop the run, couldn’t stop the pass, and the offense never overcame the adjustments made by the Utes’ staff. 
• Sadly, the way the game played out was not at all surprising, and the anger among the fan base is still boiling several days after the game. 

Everything Should Be on the Table for Nebraska Football in 2026

• The crew considers a thesis: no one should feel comfortable heading into next season — players or coaches. 
• To be clear: no one is calling for any firings. But everyone should be feeling uncomfortable with how the season ended. 
• The broader frustration isn’t “why aren’t we Georgia?” It’s: why can’t Nebraska be a consistent Top 25 program—8 to 10 wins, a team we’re proud of, and no more November faceplants?
• The crew debates patience vs. urgency in Year 4 under Rhule, especially with a brutal schedule looming and a fan base that feels like it’s living on the edge of a cliff.

The Backwards Camo Hat, The Vibes, and the “Earn It” Standard

• Yes, the infamous backwards camo hat gets its own segment — because when you get embarrassed three games in a row, everything becomes fair game.
• The guys agree on the simple solution: win, and nobody cares about the hat.

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast. 

Check out the episode on YouTube, listen on the Common Fan website, or find it on any audio platform where you get your podcasts.

As always, GBR for LIFE!

Kyle Whittingham to Michigan

• The Utah head coach - who was already planning to leave Salt Lake City after this season - has officially been named the head man at the University of Michigan. Will this development create uncertainty for the Utes? Will it benefit the Huskers?
• Whatever the case, Whittingham is undeniably one of the good guys in college football, and all three Common Fans agree the cheaters in Ann Arbor do not deserve him. He is one of the best coaches in the country, and he is a clear upgrade for the Wolverines. 

What should we expect from TJ Lateef in the bowl game?

• Is Lateef fully healthy? Matt Rhule says he looks good to go and ready to run the offense.
• The boys wonder if offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen will open up the playbook, having Lateef run the ball and possibly even mixing in some trick plays. 
• The Las Vegas Bowl will be a big opportunity for Lateef to cement his status as the starter going into 2026. 

How well will Nebraska’s offense run the ball without Emmett Johnson?

• The crew gives one final shoutout to EJ, the best back Nebraska has had in at least a decade. How will the Big Red run the ball without him?
• While backups Isaiah Mozee, Kwinten Ives, and Mekhi Nelson have shown promise at times, none of them even has 20 carries on the season. There are a lot of unknowns, simply because of how much #21 carried the load all year.

Will the Blackshirts be able to stop the run?

• Utah comes into the Las Vegas Bowl at #2 in the country in rushing, averaging nearly 270 yards on the ground per game. Rushing defense, of course, has been a challenge for Nebraska’s defense in 2025.
• Can the Husker D come up with any answers? Two of the Utes’ best offensive linemen will forego the bowl game to begin preparing for the NFL draft. Will that make enough of a difference for Nebraska’s defense to slow down the run?

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! A very heartfelt Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from TJ, MattyO, and Geoff in Lincoln, and as always, GBR for LIFE! 

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You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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Matt Rhule’s Press Conference

• Rhule pushed back hard on any suggestion that Nebraska is in a “reset,” calling that idea ridiculous while acknowledging the late-season slide wasn’t good enough. 
• Rhule acknowledged the team should have won nine games instead of seven this year — owning the results while still defending his progress and process. 
• The boys discuss Rhule’s assertion that he inherited a mess. While that may be true, Rhule has mostly refrained from making those types of statements for most of his tenure. 
• The coach also referenced getting his staff fully in place and pointed to the incremental year-by-year improvement of the team’s record, while speaking frankly about the work still ahead. 
• The Common Fans react to what felt like a more emotional Rhule at the podium.

Staff Moves Signal a New Direction

• The Huskers made significant changes in the wake of the rough end to the regular season, with John Butler (defensive coordinator), Donovan Raiola (offensive line coach), and Terry Bradden (defensive line coach) among those who were let go. 
• The crew hones in on two new hires in particular: Georgia Tech’s Geep Wade as offensive line coach, and Lonnie Teasley as run game coordinator. 
• Both have significant experience as Power Five offensive line coaches, and both are known as strong recruiters. 
• The Common Fans speculate–and hope–that this is a signal that Coach Rhule is shifting the offense to a more run-heavy approach. 

Common Fan Christmas Wish Lists

• The boys wrap up by providing their Christmas wish lists for Nebraska football this year. 
• They discuss everything from hoping for a bowl win to knowing who the next starting QB will be to beating a top team in 2026.
• Many thanks to all the Common Fan listeners this year. We love doing this and we will continue to be coming out with new episodes throughout the entire offseason. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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Check out our website: www.commonfan.co  

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You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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The Raiola Reaction

• The boys give their immediate, unfiltered reactions — and they may not be what you expect. They talk about why some fans likely feel disappointment, why others feel relief, and how the transfer portal era has changed the way we process these moments. 
• A few years ago, losing a five-star QB would’ve felt like the sky was falling. Now? It’s still big, but it’s also the world we live in. Ultimately, we wish Dylan well, but it’s time for the Nebraska football team to look forward. 

Freed Up Cash Flow

• The boys dig into a slightly uncomfortable conversation: value. In a world of NIL and revenue sharing, it’s fair to ask whether performance matched investment — and what Nebraska can do now that a significant amount of funds have been freed up. 
• Can they build a better roster by spreading those dollars across multiple impact players, especially in the trenches? And was Raiola’s skill set ever a clean fit for what Nebraska is trying to be offensively?

Portal Season = Massive

• With Emmett Johnson off to the NFL and Raiola on the way out, Nebraska has significant work to do in the offseason. They absolutely need to hit on most of the players they add in the portal. Speaking of, they need at least one QB (and maybe two), a running back, probably an offensive lineman or two, and they need a major infusion in the front seven on defense. 
• Additionally, which current players might be hitting the portal? It’s a reality in modern day college football, and the players Rhule and his staff target will to some extent be determined by who they lose off of the roster. 

Reset Year, Or Just Reality?

• The Common Fans close out by looking ahead to 2026: a brutal schedule, a fan base that’s tired, and the debate over whether or not Nebraska is in the midst of a reset. Can they find a way to win the bowl game? Can the team exceed expectations in 2026? Are we in the midst of a rebuild? Or is it simply reloading in a sport where everyone is turning over rosters every year?

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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Check out our website: www.commonfan.co  

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You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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John Butler and Donovan Raiola Relieved of Their Duties

• Both defensive coordinator John Butler and offensive line coach Donovan Raiola were fired in the week following the Iowa game. One could argue Butler’s unit played well enough in the first 10 games of the season, but the defense fell off a cliff in the final two games of the year. The crew discusses the hire of Rob Aurich from San Diego State to replace Butler, and pontificates on what needs to improve on the defensive side of the ball in 2026. 
• Donovan Raiola also had his moments, and his offensive line seemed to do a pretty good job of paving the way for Emmett Johnson in the second half of the season. But Nebraska’s O line has left plenty to be desired in recent years, between the sacks in 2025, to the lack of NFL draft picks on Raiola’s watch. Raiola’s replacement–Geep Wade from Georgia Tech–has already been named, and appears to be an upgrade. 

Emmett Johnson to the NFL

• Emmett Johnson, Nebraska’s best running back in more than a decade, the 2025 Big Ten Running Back of the Year, and the heart and soul of this year’s football team, announced he will be forgoing his senior season and entering the NFL draft. The Common Fans are not surprised with Johnson’s decision, which almost certainly means he is out for the bowl game. The boys pay tribute to EJ, and look ahead to who might carry the load in the bowl game.  

Huskers to the Las Vegas Bowl

• It’s officially officially official: Nebraska will play Utah in the Las Vegas Bowl on December 31. 
• The Utes are the #15 ranked team in the country, and have the nation’s second best rushing offense, averaging almost 270 yards on the ground per game. They also have a rushing quarterback. On paper, this matchup is…not good, to say the least. 
• That said, it will be another opportunity for Matt Rhule’s boys to try to take down a ranked team, and it’s a chance to head into the offseason with some momentum and optimism. Rhule, offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen, and interim defensive coordinator Phil Snow need to pull out all the stops to try to figure out a way to get a win in the bowl game. 

Biggest Question in a Big Month for Nebraska Football

• What is the future of quarterback Dylan Raiola? Or TJ Lateef for that matter? What are Nebraska’s biggest needs in the transfer portal? Will there be more musical chairs among the coaching staff? It’s the most important offseason of Matt Rhule’s tenure in Lincoln, and there are arguably more questions than at any point in the last three years. How Rhule navigates this offseason will go a long way towards determining how his entire time as Nebraska’s head football coach is viewed. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/ 

“Until Further Notice” – The New Reality for Nebraska Football

• The guys open with a declaration: Nebraska football has officially reached “until further notice” status under Matt Rhule. There is no more benefit of the doubt. No one is calling for Matt Rhule’s job, but the days of optimistic projections, culture speeches, and positive preseason vibes carrying water for the program are over. After back-to-back-to-back November collapses, and a squandered friendly schedule, fans have earned the right to be critical—and this loss crystallized why.

Emmett Johnson, the Only Corn Cob Recipient

• For the second straight week, the Corn Cob segment is essentially one man. Emmett Johnson once again fought to deliver another brilliant performance, singlehandedly keeping the offense afloat. The guys talk about his emotional moment on the field postgame, the likelihood of him turning pro, and the reality that Nebraska may have just wasted one of its best running back seasons in a decade. 

A Comedy of Errors That Wasn’t Funny

• The boys break down the turning points: the frustrating non-targeting call on Jacory Barney’s fumble, and two back-breaking second-and-four sequences where Nebraska abandoned the run for reasons passing understanding. Each moment becomes a microcosm of Nebraska’s larger identity problem: predictable when they should be adaptable, stubborn when they should be smart, and chaotic when they should be complementary.

Big Picture: Identity Crisis, Defensive Regression, and the Rule of Year Three

• The second half of the show zooms out. The guys confront the uncomfortable comparison between Matt Rhule’s record and Mike Riley’s through the same point. They dive into Nebraska’s defensive collapse, the inability to stop the run, the non-existent pass rush, and the maddening lack of offensive identity. They question everything—staff, scheme, development, philosophy—while acknowledging that Rhule deserves the chance to make changes and evolve.

Bowl Game, Portal Season, and the Winter Ahead

• Despite the despair, the episode closes with a sliver of perspective. Nebraska made back-to-back bowl games for the first time in more than a decade. Portal season offers opportunity. Change is possible. Hope—however battered—still flickers. But the message is clear: no more speeches, no more slogans, no more benefit of the doubt. It’s time for proof.

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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Looking at Iowa’s history: 

• The Common Fans lay out the facts to explain why Nebraska football is and always will be superior to Iowa. 
• The Hawkeyes claim five national championships, but two are from the 1920s, and for the other three–from 1956, 1958, and 1960–Iowa didn’t finish #1 in either the AP poll or the coaches poll. 
• Nebraska owns 46 conference championships, which ranks second in the nation all time. Iowa, by contrast, has 15. 
• Iowa’s record all time is 708-585-39, good for a .546 winning percentage that is 65th best in the country.
• Nebraska, by contrast, is 931-434-40, which amounts to a .677 winning percentage that is 10th all time. 
• Iowa has one Heisman Trophy winner ever, Nile Kinninck in 1939. This was such a big deal in Hawkeye Nation that they named their stadium after him. 
• Nebraska has three Heisman trophy winners, all of which occurred after World War Two, including one which happened in this century. 
• And of course, Nebraska still owns the advantage in the all time head-to-head matchup between the two teams, 30-22.
• The list goes on and on; you get the picture. No matter what has happened in recent years, the Common Fans are red ‘til they’re dead. Nebraska will always be the superior program, and it’s always better to be a Cornhusker. 

Time to buckle in, Common Fans:

• Have there been frustrating moments this season? Yes. Did the Huskers once again leave some wins on the table? It would appear so. Are there things this team needs to address in the offseason? Absolutely.
• And guess what: we will have eight months to digest this 2025 season, and to talk about all the ways in which Matt Rhule’s program needs to improve.
• In the meantime, it’s time for Husker Nation to unite, from Scottsbluff to South Sioux City; from Alliance to Falls City; from Omaha to McCook; from sea to shining sea. IT’S IOWA HATE WEEK!!!!!
• This is the life we’ve chosen, and it’s time to beat the Hawkeyes.  

Celebrating 150 episodes for the Common Fan Podcast:

• One final note: the Common Fans didn’t even realize it, but the Penn State game recap episode was their 150th episode. The boys reflect on this podcast journey and thank all the loyal Common Fan listeners for a thoroughly enjoyable ride. It’s only been two years, and there is a lot more to come. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR   

Check out our website: www.commonfan.co  

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You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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Slim pickings for Corn Cobs: 

• The guys hand out their weekly Corn Cobs — and this one gets interesting. Geoff goes contrarian with a nod to punter-turned-missile Archie Wilson for showing some fire in a late-hit penalty. Matty O sticks with the obvious: Emmett Johnson, who once again carried the offense with 151 total yards despite having to break tackles five yards behind the line just to get back to even. TJ highlights linebacker Jacob Bauer, one of the few bright spots on a bad night for the Blackshirts.

Three years in, this shouldn’t be happening:

• The crew discusses AD Troy Dannen’s early-season comments about Nebraska being “three years into a rebuild” — but pushes back hard. Is year three long enough to expect the Huskers not to get manhandled at the line of scrimmage? The boys discuss Penn State’s struggles coming intothe game, why this wasn’t a great Nittany Lion team, and why all of that makes it even more inexplicable that Nebraska came out of a bye week completely flat. 

On the stakes for the Iowa game now: 

• The conversation quickly turns to what Friday now represents. Nebraska sits at 7–4. Lose to Iowa, and you’re suddenly staring at the very real possibility of finishing 7–6 for a second consecutive year after another 5–1 start. Beat Iowa, and the season feels salvageable — maybe even encouraging. But the guys agree: the seat doesn’t get “hot” with a loss… but it might start heating up. This is as urgent as a regular-season finale without playoff implications can get. 

On the offensive identity and the QB conversation: 

• The Common Fans dig into the offense’s lingering identity problem. What exactly is Nebraska’s scheme? What is it trying to be? And how should that shape the Dylan Raiola vs. TJ Lateef conversation moving forward? No one blames Lateef for the loss — but the guys question the play-calling, the lack of RPOs, and the absence of creativity. They agree both quarterbacks bring valuable tools… but the staff needs a real offensive blueprint before either can thrive.

On accountability, urgency, and a fan Base at its limit

• From concerns about Rhule’s messaging to frustration with local media predictions to a raw sense of being “bamboozled,” this episode captures the emotional whiplash of modern Nebraska football. The guys close by emphasizing the stakes, the rivalry, and the opportunity: beat Iowa, steady the narrative, and head into bowl season with momentum.

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR   

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You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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Assessing Coach Rhule’s comments about having the resources to compete for the best players in the nation: 

• There will be more resources, both in the form of dollars in the NIL collective and in sponsorship deals for players, to help shore up the roster. 
• It’s important not to forget the need to keep current impact players on the roster.
• Money isn’t always the deciding factor in where a player lands, but Nebraska feels like it can be competitive with anyone now.
• As always, offensive and defensive linemen will be a priority, along with at least one running back. 

Looking at Nebraska’s win over UCLA:

• It was an excellent first outing from true freshman quarterback TJ Lateef, and the playbook wasn’t exactly watered down. The offense ran a lot of the same things they would have run if Dylan Raiola had been playing. 
• Moving forward, ideally Nebraska would be able to put a game like that away, and not let the opponent back in it. 

On Emmett Johnson’s Heisman Trophy chances:

• Realistically, Mitch doesn’t think EJ has a shot to win the prestigious award.
• The momentum among the national media, and the campaign being run by the University, really got going in November which is just too late. 
• That said, Johnson is likely in line to be a 1st team All Conference player, and possibly an All American. 

Looking ahead to Penn State:

• With Penn State’s win against Michigan State over the weekend, the Nittany Lions can still make a bowl game, and will have plenty to play for. 
• With quarterback Drew Allar out for the remainder of the season with an injury, it will be critical for Nebraska to stop the run. 
• PSU’s defense is formidable. They will have players who can come off the edge and get after the quarterback in a way that only Michigan has done against the Huskers this season. 

Can Nebraska keep both Dylan Raiola and TJ Lateef in 2026?

• Lateef will almost certainly be coveted, and will likely get an offer to leave Nebraska.
• Will the Huskers be willing to pay top dollar for two quarterbacks? 

Possible bowl destinations for the Big Red:

• The Music City Bowl in Nashville is looking increasingly likely as a possible bowl destination.
• One of the Florida bowls would be an indication of a strong finish to the season.
• Whatever the case, Nebraska will definitely not be returning to New York City this year. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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On true freshman quarterback TJ Lateef: 

• Lateef sparkled in his debut as Nebraska’s quarterback, leading the Big Red past the Bruins in front of 20,000+ Husker fans at the Rose Bowl. 
• The offense seemed to find a spark they have been missing in recent games.
• Lateef’s ability to run with the football is such a benefit to the offense.

On do-everything running back Emmett Johnson: 

• What can’t Emmett Johnson do? EJ continues to shine. 
• He continues to top his own performance from previous games, seemingly getting better, stronger, and faster as the season goes on. 
• Will Johnson return for his senior year in 2026? The Common Fans speculate on the pros and cons from a player’s perspective. Hopefully, the prospect of more money in college, being a potential Heisman candidate, and drastically improving his draft stock are enough to bring him back for one more season. 

On the performance by the defense:

• It wasn’t a perfect performance by the Blackshirts, and they were gashed by running quarterback Nico Iamaleava.
• That said, they made critical stops when the Huskers absolutely had to have them, and they did enough for Nebraska to win the game. 
• John Butler’s unit has a lot of young talent, and optimism is sky high for the future. 

On the Nebraska crowd at the Rose Bowl: 

• Husker Nation does it again! 20,000+ fellow Common Fans take over the Rose Bowl in what was an electric night to be a Cornhusker.
• Common Fan co-host T.J. Birkel was in the house, and shares his experiences on the night. 

On the future of Nebraska football:

• Vibes are sky high among the Common Fans right now. 
• No, it hasn’t been a perfect season, but the Big Red continues to improve, and Matt Rhule is committed to being in Lincoln for the long term. 
• The Huskers have a real chance to finish strong this season, and they have one of the youngest rosters in all of college football. 
• Rhule will have to figure out how to get over the hump, and go from being good to great, but it feels like a strong culture and foundation are in place for much future success. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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On the atmosphere on Saturday night: 

• The blackout at Memorial Stadium was next level. It was an incredibly impressive effort from the fan base. 
• The blackout was particularly beneficial for the big recruiting guest list that was on hand. 

On the game against USC: 

• Nebraska played about as well as they could for nearly two and a half quarters.
• This wasn’t Minnesota–Nebraska showed up ready, they had a good plan, and they played well for large chunks of the game. 
• Defense did everything you could have asked them to do. 
• Additionally, the Huskers probably win without Dylan Raiola getting hurt. 
• But this one was unique, in the sense that it involved some bad luck as well. 
• In the end, they fell short of an opportunity to make a statement on a national stage. 

On the two third quarter timeouts:

• On the 4th and 1 play, Nebraska was going to go for it, and ultimately changed their mind. 
• On the other timeout–it’s still unclear why Matt Rhule used the timeout in that moment. 
• Huskers playing too fast and loose with their timeouts. 

On Dylan Raiola’s injury: 

• Recovery time according to Rhule is 8-12 weeks. 
• He may miss some winter conditioning, but the expectation is that he will be ready for spring ball. 
• Raiola still expected to be a leader for this team: mentoring TJ Lateef, sitting in on game planning meetings, and generally supporting the team. 

On bouncing back from the USC loss and the importance of the remainder of the season: 

• Players and coaches talked this week about how anxious they are to get back out there. Like a closer in baseball who blows a save, the Huskers are ready to get the bad taste out of their mouth and try to get back in the W column.
• Year three still needs to be about upward momentum. Even with the loss of Raiola, and even if it’s not a traditional “Year 3 leap” for Matt Rhule, progress is important. 
• The next step for Nebraska is to be a team that can finish strong. 
• What record would constitute success for this Nebraska team? They need at least one more win, preferably two. 

Looking ahead to UCLA:

• You normally don’t see a team fire its coach, pivot to an interim coach, and then have the kind of resurgence the Bruins have had. 
• Interim head coach Tim Skipper and interim offensive coordinator Jerry Neuheisel have been bright spots. 
• Quarterback Nico Iamaleava can be expected to run the ball as much as any quarterback Nebraska has seen. 
• UCLA does have some talent, although Nebraska has been the more explosive offense of the two. 
• Expect the Huskers to have heavy doses of Emmett Johnson, as well as some designed keepers for Lateef. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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• Huskers looked ready to play and came out strong on an electric night in Lincoln. 
• Coaching staff had a solid game plan, as the defense completely took away the Trojans’ passing game and the offense scored on two of its four 1st half drives. 
• Nebraska ultimately couldn’t close the deal, like so many recent heartbreak, gut punch losses. 

Pivotal 3rd quarter ultimately turned the tide in favor of the Trojans: 

• Going 3-and-out on the opening drive of the 2nd half is inexcusable. The Common Fans hate the deep shot on the opening play of the half with the fire of a thousand suns. 
• After the Blackshirts force a pick, disaster strikes for Nebraska. At 1st and 10 from the USC 23 yard line, the Huskers dial up another pass, during which Dylan Raiola fumbles and gets injured–an injury we now know will end his season. 
• Hard to understand why the Big Red didn’t pound the rock, considering how much success Emmett Johnson had on the ground.
• Even after such an unfortunate turn of events, the defense stood tall again, forcing a turnover on downs and giving the offense the ball back around mid-field. 
• The Huskers then burn two timeouts unnecessarily on the way to a missed field goal. 
• Getting zero points on these first three drives of the half is ultimately what doomed Nebraska. 

Some positives on the night: 

• The defense, while getting gashed on the ground, held one of the nation’s best offenses well under its season average for points and yards. 
• Holding USC to 21 total points is certainly enough to give the team a chance to win. 
• Even after seeing Raiola go down, the team fought to the end. Other than the Minnesota game, this team has shown tremendous fight this year. 

Nebraska’s identity on offense still lacking:

• What is this offense trying to be?
• Whatever it is, the Huskers continue to lose at the line of scrimmage. 

Thoughts on the blackout: 

• Hats off to all common fans in attendance who made the blackout a smashing success. 
• The Common Fans are definitely in favor of making this an annual tradition. 

Looking ahead to UCLA and the rest of the season:

• While no one would ever choose to have Dylan Raiola be injured, or to be out of the playoff race, in a way it’s freeing for this team. 
• They will likely not be favored the rest of the way; they can simply go play without any expectations. 
• Anxious to see what backup quarterback TJ Lateef can do with a full week of game prep. 
• UCLA has been a bipolar team. Huskers should expect a battle at the Rose Bowl. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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Jake shares some fantastic stories about his time as a player.

• Overlooked by Ohio State and Notre Dame, even though he grew up 15 minutes from Columbus.
• Coming face-to-face with Urban Meyer for the first time. 
• Winning the John Mackey Award as college football’s best Tight End. 

Jake sees Nebraska as having made huge strides in several critical areas: 

• Winning one score games. 
• Improvement in turnover margin. 
• Special teams is so vastly improved, the third phase is likely responsible for at least two of Nebraska’s wins this year. 
• Jake calls out Mike Ekeler in particular as a massive addition to Rhule’s staff over the offseason. 

That said, the Huskers need to develop in the one area that is most important for winning in college football: the trenches. 

• Missing Nash Hutmacher and Ty Robinson on defense. 
• Offensive line has sustained some injuries, but they still need to be better. 
• Jake sees winning in the trenches as the next step Matt Rhule’s program needs to take to get over the hump and start playing at an elite level. 

Assessing Dylan Raiola eight games into his sophomore year:  

• Dylan likes to make the huge play, but sometimes that can come back to bite you. 
• With maturity comes understanding about when it’s appropriate to make the big play, and when you need to throw it away. 
• Jake would put Dylan definitely in the top half of Big Ten quarterbacks, and possibly in the top quarter. 
• Dylan’s leadership has been a huge intangible benefit to the 2025 Nebraska football team.

Looking ahead to USC: 

• November is championship football season. It’s when the contenders get separated from the pretenders. 
• This game will be a huge separator for both programs. 
• Key for this game: the run game for both teams. USC’s run game is much improved over previous years. 
• For Nebraska to win, they have to stop the run, and be able to run the ball. 
• Like the Common Fans, Jake is a huge fan of Emmett Johnson. Feed Emmett!!!

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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Huskers get up off the mat after Minnesota: 

• After a disappointing performance in Minneapolis last Friday night, the Big Red brought more fight and energy to the game against the always-pesky Northwestern Wildcats. 
• It wasn’t always pretty–it rarely has been in 2025–and the officiating was some of the worst we’ve seen in a long time. 
• But the Huskers found a way to get the W. 

Is it actually better?

• The Common Fans do an exercise to go through the different phases of the game to examine if–and how much–the team has actually made progress this season. 
• Special teams is so clearly better in every way that Mike Ekeler might be the most important hire of the last 10 years for Nebraska football. One could argue the third phase is the difference between Nebraska being 6-2 and 4-4 this year. 
• Offense and defense are more of a mixed bag. 
• The offense as a whole is better, although their inconsistency drives Husker fans crazy. 
• Quarterback play is better overall, running back play is better (we love you Emmett!), wide receiver play is better, but the unit stalls all too often and the offensive line needs work. 
• The defense has probably taken a step back given all that they lost, but the pass defense is still strong and a plethora of young talent gives hope for the future. 
• Other things that are better: winning close games, making late stops, and putting together game winning drives. Husker teams of recent years have simply not done these things.
• Ultimately, the Common Fans conclude that Nebraska football is in fact better; they are making progress. 
• That said, it is often not as consistent, or not as good, as Husker Nation would like to see. 
• At 6-2, we’ve gotta celebrate all the Ws, and hope 2025 will still see a breakthrough win for the program. 

Celebrating the Common Fan tailgate: 

• Thanks to all those who came out to say hi (or in some cases, hang out all day) at the Common Fan tailgate. 
• It was awesome to have Husker legend Steve Taylor and longtime sports talk radio guys Mike’l Severe and Gary Sharp hang out with us. 
• Equally as awesome was to see so many friends, family, and listeners. We love the Common Fan community!

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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What went wrong against Minnesota: 

• Mike’l suggests the number one difference between the two teams on the field on Friday night was not anything related to blocking or tackling, or throwing or catching the football. It had everything to do with culture.
• Minnesota knows exactly who they are and what they want to do. While Matt Rhule has established a culture in Lincoln, the Huskers appear to be lacking an identity. 
• Still, Huskers should not have been pushed around in the way that they were. 

Sacks and Dylan Raiola’s struggles:

• The sack problem lands on everybody’s feet. 
• The offensive line needs to be better, running backs need to be better in pass protection, and Dylan needs to have better pocket awareness. 
• Raiola missed Dane Key twice on Friday, both of which would have been touchdowns and possibly changed the game. He needs to be better in those situations–especially throwing the deep ball. 

Checking the pulse if Husker Nation: 

• There seems to be a broad cross-section of reactions among the fan base after Saturday’s loss, everything from calm and collected to full meltdown mode.
• How concerned should we be about Matt Rhule’s program a little more than halfway through Year 3?

Troy Dannen’s comments about being in year three of a rebuild:

• Is Dannen right? Do Husker fans need to be just a little more patient? Or, in the era of Curt Cignetti completely flipping the Indiana program, should we expect more success sooner?
• Mike’l suggests Cignetti is an outlier, and Rhule is still on track to have success at Nebraska. 

The importance of the Northwestern game to the remainder of the season:

• The entire crew agrees the coming game against Northwestern is absolutely pivotal for Nebraska’s outlook the remainder of the season. 
• The team needs to show they can bounce back and beat a physical Big Ten opponent. 
• Mike’l suggests everything from 1-4 to 5-0 are on the table for this team. Northwestern could go a long way toward determining how the remaining five games play out. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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• The Huskers were outcoached, outhit, and outplayed against the Gophers. Whether they were tired or felt like it would be an easy win, Nebraska simply didn’t show up against Minnesota. 
• It’s Lucy with the football once again–every time Nebraska feels like it’s about to turn a corner, we see a performance like this. It’s incredibly frustrating for fans.
• Yes, there is more parity than ever before in college football. Yes, every team is investing in players, coaches, and facilities now. But Husker fans deserve to see the upside of that investment and not just the pain. 
• Nebraska fans could have told you exactly the kind of game P.J. Fleck wanted to play, and that’s exactly what we saw. The Gophers had an answer for the Nebraska offense, they had an answer on 3rd down, they seemed to have all the answers all night. 
• The offense has to figure something out. Commit to the run, and come up with some better options when the straight drop-back game isn’t working. If you’re going to run this kind of pro-style offense, the line play and the quarterback play both need to be better. 
• At this point, the sacks are on everybody. 

With all the frustration from Friday night, the Common Fans are not giving up hope. 

• We only get to do this 12 Saturdays a year, and we’re going to enjoy it. There’s still nearly half the season left.  
• The team still has the opportunity to prove itself; the game against Minnesota is not predictive of the remainder of the season. 
• This week’s game against Northwestern is now crucial for getting the boys in red back on track. If this team has improved to the extent that we want to believe it has; if this program is in a different and better place, as we’ve been told, then Northwestern is exactly the kind of game they need to win. 
• Beat Northwestern, get to 6-2, and then see what happens in November. 

The life of being a fan:

• While it’s exciting to see the basketball team beat preseason #8 BYU in an exhibition game, it does not take away the sting of a Nebraska football loss. 
• Most fandom is pain: only one team ends the season with a championship. 
• But you don’t only show up when things are going well. 

Speaking of, hats off to Nebraska fans.

• In the words of Tom Shatel, Husker fans are undefeated against apathy. 
• Husker Nation showed up at Maryland, they showed up at Minnesota, and we know they are going to show up to fill up the stadium once more against Northwestern. 

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The Penn State question:

• Would Matt Rhule leave for Happy Valley? 
• How high would he be on PSU’s list?
• Does anybody really know anything? 
• What Penn State needs to show their fans. 
• What Matt Rhule needs to hear to stay.

On the upcoming game against Minnesota:

• Would Husker fans actually like P.J. Fleck if he was Nebraska’s coach?
• Assessing where quarterback Drake Lindsey fits among the QBs the Blackshirts have faced this season. 
• Nebraska looks like the better team–but are they ready to take the next step and get the Gopher off their back? 

The big picture: 

• Did the Maryland game indicate a renewed commitment to the run game for Nebraska?
• Is this defense just getting better and better?
• And finally, discussing the ceiling for this 2025 Nebraska squad. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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• The Huskers give up two 10 point leads, and were losing with under two minutes to go, before pulling out a 34-31 victory.
• HUGE PROGRESS: Putting together not one but two 4th quarter scoring drives to ultimately propel the team to victory. 
• SPECIAL TEAMS AGAIN! The kickoff return team has entered the chat.
• The Blackshirts–despite not playing their best game–bowed up when it mattered. 
• Emmett Johnson absolutely carried the team in arguably his best game as a Husker. 
• Nyziah Hunter emerging as a major threat. 
• Despite three picks, Dylan showed his heart and his toughness in leading Nebraska to the win. 
• Offensive line takes a major step forward. 
• Plus, discussing where the 5-1 Huskers fit in the broader Big 10 conversation. 
• It’s a brave new world in 2025, and the Common Fans are celebrating all the Ws!

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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• Perhaps the biggest takeaway from the win over Michigan State was the huge step forward taken by the defense. 
• Blackshirts becoming a havoc defense. 
• The way the Huskers finished–scoring 24 unanswered points even after stalling in the middle part of the game–makes the 2025 squad seem different from other recent Nebraska teams. 
• Do Husker fans need to calm down and enjoy the win? 
• What’s behind Nebraska’s inability to protect Dylan? What to make of the offensive line so far? 
• Brandon’s take on the excellent play from Mike Ekeler’s special teams units so far. 
• Is Ekeler the best hire Matt Rhule has made? 
• Message to all Common Fans: don’t message Husker players on social media! 

Also, the crew pivots to Saturday’s game vs. Maryland: 

• Taking a look at what we know about the Terps. 
• Mike Locksley’s team is a surprising 4-1 so far, leading the Big Ten in sacks and coming in with a strong pass defense. 
• Maryland offense struggling so far. 
• Discussing what it means that the Huskers are getting to College Park a day early. 
• Brandon sees a tight game, with Nebraska ultimately prevailing.
• And finally, Nebraska's got a chance to be 6-2 or 7-1 going into the USC game. That would feel like real improvement and real momentum for the program. Discussing the importance of the next three games. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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• Nebraska looked like they were going to cruise to victory after opening a 14-0 lead early in the game.
• After MSU scored 21 unanswered points, the Big Red appeared lost.
• Huskers come roaring back to take over the game and ultimately win comfortably, 38-27.
• Breakthrough game for the defense.
• Special teams comes up huge. 
• Dylan doesn’t quit.
• Discussing Nebraska’s offensive identity: do the Huskers need to prioritize pounding the rock more?

Plus, the boys discuss the need to enjoy the win:

• College football can be too much of a beauty pageant, with fans and pundits focused on margin of victory and individual stats over wins and losses. 
• Nebraska would have lost this game more often than not over the last ten years, and they turned it into a double digit victory. That’s progress.
• There’s more parity in the game than ever before, and we should celebrate every W.

Huskers at 4-1 and everything this team wants to accomplish is still out in front of it. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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Reasons for optimism in 2025:

• Dylan Raiola is playing at an elite level. 
• Best group of wide receivers Nebraska has had in years. 
• Pass defense is the best in the nation. 
• Special Teams is drastically improved. 
• Lots of young talent on D.
• The importance of the next four games. 
• Which game on the schedule represents Nebraska’s best change to get a win over a ranked team? 

The crew also gets real:

• Losing at the line of scrimmage – how much can be fixed in season?
• Concern about the front seven on defense. 

Plus, the boys discuss the ridiculous national narrative surrounding Raiola, what to expect from Michigan State, and how much the food in the press box has improved with the new stadium vendor. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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• Nebraska lost–at times badly–at both lines of scrimmage. 
• The Nebraska run defense was gashed to the tune of almost 300 yards. 
• The Husker offensive line could not contain Michigan’s defenders, and the offense didn’t do much of anything in the 2nd half.
• Special teams bugaboos rear their ugly head again. 

What it all means for the Big Red:

• No one is calling for any firings, but it feels like the team should be further along in year 3. 
• Offensive line was supposed to be a strength of the team and Dylan Raiola was running for his life all afternoon. 
• The defense’s ability to stop the run is officially a problem. 
• Lots of youth on defense, and new coaches, so there’s hope they can improve significantly as the season goes on. 
• Dylan at times needs to get rid of the ball or move in the pocket sooner, but otherwise he had a very strong performance and kept Nebraska in the game. 
• Bye week is good for the team but it’ll be a long two weeks for the Common Fans out there. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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• How much can we take from Akron and HCU?
• Trying to contain the running threat posed by Michigan’s Bryce Underwood and Justice Haynes. 
• Looking at Nebraska’s strengths vs. the Wolverines.
• Still no clarity at RB after Emmett Johnson.
• Will Nebraska be able to move the ball vs. Michigan’s defense? 
• The strength of John Butler’s defense. 
• Special teams still holding steady. 

Plus, we look at some big picture topics with BC:

• Recruiting update.
• How this team is different than Matt Rhule’s first two years in Lincoln. 
• How high is the ceiling for the 2025 Huskers?

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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• For an 11am kickoff after a massive win over Akron last weekend, both the team and the crowd still brought the energy. 
• The Dane Key coming out party. 
• Defense dominates, but much stiffer tests await.
• Do we need to worry about the front seven on defense going into Big Ten play?  
• Starters out by halftime. 
• Is Kwinten Ives the #2 running back?
• Dylan Raiola shines again, and backup quarterback TJ Lateef continues to impress. 
• Cortez Mills, Rex Guthrie, and plenty of other young guys shine.
• And of course, the question on everybody’s mind: will UCLA win a single game this year? 

After the large – and expected – victory, all of Husker Nation anxiously turns their focus to Michigan this week. It’s a huge opportunity for the Big Red as they look to continue their momentum in Matt Rhule’s third year. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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• Matt Rhule’s fiery halftime speech and what it indicates about Rhule as a head coach. 
• How critical it was for Nebraska to get the W over Cincinnati.
• The huge benefit of three weeks of practice (and two likely wins) in the time between Cincinnati and Michigan. 
• What to make of Nebraska’s Big Ten schedule. 
• Can we be done holding our breath for the special teams units?
• The massive positive impact of Dana Holgorsen + Mike Ekeler. 

Plus, Hannah from Oak Barn Beef joins the boys to talk about her growing business, how Common Fans in every corner of the country can get Oak Barn's delicious Nebraska beef, favorite dishes, the dry aging process, and more. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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• Not much went wrong for the Big Red on Saturday night, as Nebraska dominated Akron in every facet of the game. 
• While the Zips are clearly not very good, it was still a sign of progress for this program to put away a team in such an overwhelming fashion. 
• A win like this was what everyone needed: the team, the program, the entire fan base, all of Husker Nation. 
• Six different Huskers scored touchdowns en route to the 68-0 drubbing. 
• Dylan Raiola was on top of his game, throwing for 364 yards as Nebraska’s offense racked up 728 total yards. 
• Backup QB TJ Lateef looked strong as well. 
• Emmett Johnson is on the way to a special season. 
• Promising performance from multiple young guys on both sides of the ball. 
• Big steps forward for the defense and special teams. 
• One more tune-up this week before the showdown against Michigan on September 20. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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• Gary saw plenty of issues for the Huskers to fix, but the game didn’t fundamentally change his outlook for the Big Red in 2025.
• Defensive line, depth at running back are obvious areas in need of improvement. 
• Gary also mentions the linebacker play as something he was surprised at. 
• The good news: there were several mistakes that can be chalked up to game-one sloppiness. The key will be cleaning those up in the next two weeks. 
• Also plenty to like from the game. 
• Solid outing from Dylan. 
• Plus-two turnover margin. 
• And, of course, a Nebraska W.

Plus, the crew gets into some timely questions:

• What does Matt Rhule want from this offense?
• If Nebraska goes into the Michigan game at 3-0, will they be ranked?
• What’s fair to expect from this defense?
• Is all of this building for 2026? 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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• The Huskers showed plenty of promise on Thursday night, but the team also has lots to work on. 
• The Nebraska team that showed up at Arrowhead Stadium does not look like a playoff team…but that doesn’t mean the Big Red can’t still put together a special run in 2025.
• The most important thing was getting out of Kansas City with a W, and the Huskers accomplished that. With the next two games against Akron and Houston Christian, there’s time to work on everything else.
• Dylan Raiola looked solid, and kept mistakes to a minimum, but the Common Fans wonder if/when we’ll see the offense open it up. 
• The defense looks like a mixed bag after one week. Highlighted by some perfectly timed turnovers, the overall unit looks more explosive than in 2024. At the same time, the run defense looked awfully leaky at times. 
• After dominating the 2nd quarter, and taking a 13-3 lead into halftime, the Big Red looked poised to put Cincinnati away. Instead, the Huskers opening drive of the 2nd half stalled, and they were in a battle to the end. 
• Malcolm Hartzog made the play of the game, with a game-sealing interception in the end zone. 
• The Common Fans are celebrating all the Ws, and it feels great to see the Huskers open the season 1-0. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! As always, GBR for LIFE! 

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• The debate over whether or not you can be a fan of more than one college football team. 
• National commentators predicting Nebraska in the playoffs.
• Josh Pate, Phil Steele, Geoff Schwartz, Brandon Walker, and Zack Guggenheim among those predicting playoff potential for the Huskers this season. 
• Nebraska has announced captains for the 2025 season.
• Matt Rhule’s podcast.
• Nebraska’s depth chart for the opener against Cincinnati. 
• Four bold predictions for Nebraska football in 2025. 

And much more! 

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Today, Mike’l and the Common Fans go through the final four games on the Huskers’ schedule. 

On the game against USC in Lincoln:

• With USC coming to Lincoln this year, the Common Fans hope for 20 degrees below zero and snow for this game. 
• Head Coach Lincoln Riley has seen his record get worse every year he’s been at the helm in LA, and while he might not be on the hot seat, his back is against the wall. 
• Mike’l sees a bounce-back season for the Trojans, as they have a ton of speed and have made significant upgrades in the transfer portal. 

Picks:

• Mike’l: Loss
• MattyO: Win
• Geoff: Win
• T.J.: Loss

On the game vs. UCLA at the Rose Bowl: 

• Quarterback Nico Iamaleava – formerly of the playoff caliber Tennessee Volunteers – has transferred to UCLA. Many expect the Bruins to take a step forward in 2025.
• The 2024 UCLA game may have been Nebraska’s worst performance of the season. The Huskers came out flat, and were never really in control against a then 2-5 Bruin team. 
• All four of the crew see the Big Red getting their revenge and beating UCLA at the Rose Bowl. 

Picks: 

• Mike’l: Win
• MattyO: Win
• Geoff: Win
• T.J.: Win

On the game against Penn State in Happy Valley: 

• Many among the national sports media see Penn State as the best team in the Big Ten in 2025. 
• James Franklin has stacked a ton of wins at PSU, but has struggled to beat ranked teams, and has developed a reputation for not being able to win the big one. Franklin brought in Jim Knowles as his new defensive coordinator for this season. 
• Penn State is likely to be a double digit favorite vs. the Huskers. For Nebraska to have a chance, they need to keep Drew Allar under 62% passing.
• The whole crew sees the Nittany Lions as being too much for the Huskers. 

Picks:

• Mike’l: Loss
• MattyO: Loss
• Geoff: Loss
• T.J.: Loss

On the Black Friday game vs. Iowa in Lincoln: 

• The anger about Nebraska’s 2024 loss to Iowa is never far from the surface. The Huskers dominated almost every aspect of that game and still found a way to hand the game away. 
• Nebraska has now lost nine out of 10 to the Hawkeyes.
• Iowa comes into the season with a new quarterback, Mark Gronowski, who won the Walter Payton Award (given to the most outstanding offensive player in the FCS) in 2023. 
• Even so, the crew sees the Huskers getting the W on what will almost certainly be a freezing day in Lincoln. 

Picks:

• Mike’l: Win
• MattyO: Win
• Geoff: Win
• T.J.: Win

Don’t forget–this is part of a three-episode series. If you haven’t had the chance to catch the first two episodes, make sure to do that before the season kicks off next week! With kickoff in less than a week, the Common Fans will have you frothing at the mouth in anticipation for Husker Football. 

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Today, Mike’l and the Common Fans go through the middle four games of the Huskers’ schedule. 

On the game against Michigan State:

• The crew sees Nebraska as being more talented than Michigan State, despite having a lot of respect for Spartan Head Coach Jonathan Smith. 
• With everyone having picked a win over Michigan the week before, there is some concern about a letdown following a huge win against a ranked, big name opponent. 

Picks:

• Mike’l: Win
• MattyO: Win
• Geoff: Win
• T.J.: Loss

On the game at Maryland: 

• Lots of red flags and warning signs for this year’s Maryland team. 
• Curious comments recently from Head Coach Mike Locksley about problems in his locker room in 2024. 
• There have been some suggestions–even from Maryland sources–that the Terrapins will be a dumpster fire this season. 
• Nebraska can’t take anyone for granted, especially in their first road game of the season, but all four of the guys see the Huskers coming out on top in this one. 

Picks: 

• Mike’l: Win
• MattyO: Win
• Geoff: Win
• T.J.: Win

On the game against old nemesis PJ Fleck and the Minnesota Gophers in Minneapolis: 

• Mike’l points out that Nebraska has not won back-to-back road games in consecutive weeks since 2006. 
• With the game being played on a Friday night, Huskers will have a short week after having traveled to Maryland.
• This is a sneaky candidate to be one of the most challenging games on the schedule for the Big Red. 

Picks:

• Mike’l: Loss
• MattyO: Loss
• Geoff: Loss
• T.J.: Win

On the game against Northwestern in Lincoln: 

• The new world of NIL and transfer portal don’t exactly work in Northwestern’s favor. 
• Mike’l doesn’t know what to think about this year’s Wildcats, as he wouldn’t be surprised to see them go 8-4 and wouldn’t be surprised to see them go 4-8. 
• Lots of respect for Head Coach David Braun. 

Picks:

• Mike’l: Win
• MattyO: Win
• Geoff: Win
• T.J.: Win

Don’t forget–this is part of a three-episode series, all of which will be airing this week! With kickoff just around the corner, the Common Fans will have you frothing at the mouth in anticipation for Husker Football. 

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Today, Mike’l and the Common Fans go through the first four games of Nebraska’s schedule. 

On the opener against Cincinnati:

• The crew sees some concern with this one. After two consecutive losing seasons to begin their tenure in the Big 12, Cincinnati is expected to be better this year.
• Mike’l even suggested that he would be less surprised to see Nebraska lose to the Bearcats than he would to see them lose to Michigan. 
• The Huskers have struggled in the recent past with openers very similar to this one: away from home against Power 5 opponents. 
• Nebraska will be favored, but the Big Red will need to show up dialed in and ready to play. 

Picks:

• Mike’l: Win
• MattyO: Win
• Geoff: Win
• T.J.: Win

On Akron and Houston Christian: 

• The guys see the Huskers rolling to victory in both of these games. 
• Perhaps beating Akron–the team Scott Frost was supposed to play in his first game back at Nebraska before it got canceled due to lightning–will help to expel whatever demons have possessed the program these last several years. 
• HCU will be an 11am kickoff against an FCS opponent. Husker fans will need to make their own energy for this one…or at least bring some coffee. 

Picks for both games: 

• Mike’l: Win
• MattyO: Win
• Geoff: Win
• T.J.: Win

On the big one against Michigan, Nebraska’s first conference game of the year: 

• Mike’l predicts the Wolverines will be better in 2025 than they were in 2024, and sees them as a top 25 team. 
• Some intrigue with this game: Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore will not be in attendance, as part of Michigan’s punishment for the sign-stealing scandal from a few years ago. 
• This game will be a huge tone-setter for the Huskers. They are unlikely to be favored, and a loss will certainly not derail the season. But a win would be a huge boost as the Big Red looks to take a leap in year three under Matt Rhule. 

Picks:

• Mike’l: Win
• MattyO: Win
• Geoff: Win
• T.J.: Win

Don’t forget–this is part of a mini three-episode series, all of which will be airing this week! With kickoff just around the corner, the Common Fans will have you frothing at the mouth in anticipation for Husker Football. 

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Brando sees the Huskers taking another step forward in 2025:

• Last year, Brando came on the Common Fan Podcast and correctly predicted Nebraska would make a bowl game and have a winning season in 2024. 
• He believes Dana Holgorsen will have a significant impact on the offense and the team overall this season. 
• He also sees Dylan Raiola taking a big step forward in year 2 under center. 
• The Huskers will need to get past a good Cincinnati team in the opener, and beat Michigan at home in their first conference game of the season, but Brando sees the schedule as lining up well for the Big Red…and even floated the idea that they might start 6-0.
• He thinks the Huskers could get as high as 10 wins in 2025!

Thoughts on Lee Corso, who will be honored later this month in a one hour special tribute on ESPN:

• Corso will be retiring at age 90. 
• Brando, who was the first ever host of College Gameday, actually interviewed Corso for his spot on Gameday. 
• According to Brando, Corso is the best ever coach to move into broadcasting.
• His combination of charisma plus knowledge of the game is unrivaled. 
• Poking fun at Beano Cook…you don’t want to miss Tim’s impression of the famous Beano! 

Looking at the big picture in the Big Ten:

• Brando predicts Ohio State to win the conference. 
• He’s very high on Illinois and Indiana.
• Watch out for Rutgers to play spoiler.  
• Sees the quality and depth of the conference improving from top to bottom. 

Plus, the Common Fans even get into a little Husker hoops:

• Brando celebrated his 40th anniversary in broadcasting by calling the Nebraska-UCLA game in January (which, of course, was a solid Nebraska W). 
• Brando likes what Fred Hoiberg is building and was happy to see the Huskers win The Crown, even though they fell short of the NCAA tournament. 

Finally, on whether or not Nebraska football should be considered a blue blood:

• Yes, yes and yes!

With less than three weeks before kickoff, the Common Fans help you start getting ready for Husker football! GBR for LIFE!

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• In order to take the patented Year 3 leap under Matt Rhule, the Huskers will almost certainly need to win close games. 
• What can turn close losses into wins? Improvement on offense and special teams. 
• Holgorsen brings swagger and a simplified playbook that should work to Dylan Raiola’s benefit.
• Ekeler brings boundless energy that is infectious to the entire team.
• Big steps forward by the offense and special teams should be good for 2-4 more wins in 2025.
• Plus, thoughts on the Big Red Preview practice, beer in Memorial Stadium, and so much more! 

With little more than three weeks before kickoff, the Common Fans help you start getting ready for Husker football! GBR for LIFE!

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• Simply put, TO is the best coach in Nebraska football history, and one of the greatest college football coaches of all time. 
• Beloved by his players to this day.
• Deep and lasting connection to his players, built on a concern for them first as people and second as football players.
• The Lawrence Phillips question. 
• What if TO had kept coaching? 
• Can TO’s development-focused approach still work in today’s era of NIL and the transfer portal? 
• How has the standard of excellence established by Osborne and Devaney affected every Nebraska coach who came after him?
• And so much more!

Thanks to Henry Cordes and Brandon Vogel for joining us for this fantastic conversation. GBR for LIFE!

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• The dominance of the 1995 team.
• Averaged over 53 points per game; gave up just 14 and a half.
• They averaged more than 556 rushing yards per game. 
• No team came within 14 points of them on the final scoreboard.
• Of the three Top 10 teams they played during the regular season, they won 49-25, 44-21, and 41-3. 
• Completely dismantled #2 Florida in the Fiesta Bowl. 
• The Lawrence Phillips event. 
• Was TO’s handling of the situation fair/appropriate?
• National backlash.
• Impact on the team.
• Losing Brook Berringer. 
• Step back in 1996.
• TO’s steadiness.
• Wistrom and Jason Peter’s decision to return in 1997.
• Osborne’s decision to retire.
• Miracle at Missouri.
• The question is not if Nebraska would have beat Michigan in 1997. The only question is how many touchdowns the Huskers would have won by. 
• Plus so much more! 

Thanks to Grant Wistrom and Tom Shatel for joining us for this outstanding discussion. GBR for LIFE! 

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• Toward the end of the 1990 season, the Huskers were #2 in the country.
• Then they blew a 12-0 lead against Colorado, and suffered back-to-back blowouts against Oklahoma and vs. Georgia Tech in the bowl game. 
• They would finish the season ranked 24th, the team’s lowest final ranking since 1968. They finished outside the top 10 for the fourth consecutive season.
• TO gathers his staff for a meeting in South Stadium. Ultimately, there were several things that resulted from this meeting. But perhaps none was more important than a decision to get faster on defense. 
• Defensive backs would be turned into linebackers. Linebackers would become defensive ends. Eventually, the 5-2 would give way to the 4-3. Nebraska had to catch up to the speedier Southern schools they were losing to in bowl games. 

Plus, insights from Abdul and Mitch about those early ‘90s teams:

• Tommie Frazier = the x-factor.
• The 1991 no-nonsense recruiting class–Abdul Muhammad, Dwayne Harris, Barron Miles, Christian Peter, and others.
• “The war was in practice.”
• The “refuse to lose” bunch in 1993.
• The 1994 season–Frazier’s blood clot, Brook Berringer, the Matt Turman game, the Colorado game, the Orange Bowl against Miami.
• Finally, TO reaches the mountaintop. 
• This and much more! 

Thanks to Abdul Muhammad and Mitch Sherman for joining us for this conversation. GBR for LIFE! 

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• In case you hadn’t noticed, Scott Frost is in the news again. 
• When asked what he learned from his time at Nebraska, Frost said, “Don't take the wrong job.”
• He went on to say, “I got tugged in a direction to try to help my alma mater and didn't really want to do it. It wasn't a good move. I'm lucky to get back to a place where I was a lot happier.”
• The reaction on social media has been fierce. 
• The Common Fans are irked by the latest comments, but also offer a thoughtful discussion considering multiple viewpoints. 
• Ultimately, if Frost is going to answer questions about his time at Nebraska, he needs to find a way to own the results and put it behind him. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast! 

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• TO takes things to another level.
• With five conference titles from 1980 to 1989, Nebraska had more wins than any other college football team in the decade. 
• Huskers come agonizingly close to two national championships. 
• Starting to beat Oklahoma. 
• The crew discusses the famous 1984 Orange Bowl and Osborne’s decision to go for two, the infamous 1982 Penn State game, and much more.

Plus, Steve shares some illuminating insights into his time as a recruit and a player:

• A hilarious recruiting trip to Minnesota involving Lou Holtz and Dave Winfield. 
• Other recruiting shenanigans. 
• TO’s standards. 
• Steve’s outstanding playing career. 
• The challenging non-conference schedules in those days. 
• Falling behind the speedy Florida schools. 
• Lessons from Coach Osborne. 
• Plus much more! 



Thanks to Steve Taylor and Ken Hambleton for joining us for this conversation. GBR for LIFE! 

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• Husker legend Tom Ruud discusses his days playing for both Bob Devaney and Tom Osborne. 
• Long time sportswriters Mike Babcock and Brandon Vogel also join the conversation. 
• Changing of the guard from Devaney to Osborne. 
• Early struggles to beat Oklahoma. 
• Storyline that TO “can’t win the big one” begins to emerge. 
• After the pressure cooker of his first several years, Osborne actually interviews for the head coaching job at Colorado. 
• By the end of the decade, TO is firmly in place in Lincoln, and has established himself as an excellent head coach with a program on the rise heading into the 1980s. 

Thanks to Tom Ruud, Mike Babcock and Brandon Vogel for joining us for this conversation. GBR for LIFE! 

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• If you wanted to make the case that God’s a Cornhusker, there might not be a better place to start than here: Tom Osborne arrived on Nebraska’s campus as a young graduate student in pursuit of a PhD within a month of Bob Devaney taking over as the Huskers’ head football coach.
• Osborne would spend several years straddling the fence between doctoral studies and helping out in various roles as an assistant on the football team.
• Thankfully for all of Husker Nation, he ultimately chose to pursue football full time. 
• After two sub-par seasons in 1967 and 1968, Devaney completely overhauls the program. Among many other changes, TO is installed as offensive coordinator. 
• That one decision arguably did more to impact the future of Nebraska football than anything else. 
• Osborne would play a central role in reimagining Nebraska’s offense, creating Husker Power (the nation’s first ever collegiate strength and conditioning program), emphasizing coast-to-coast recruiting, and ultimately turning the program around. 
• A direct line can be drawn from the changes Devaney implemented after 1968 (with TO’s promotion arguably being the most consequential) to Nebraska’s first two national championships in 1970 and 1971. 
• All this and much more about Osborne’s days as an assistant to Devaney in this first episode of our summer series about TO!



Thanks to Omaha World Herald writer Henry Cordes along with Brandon Vogel of the Counter Read newsletter for joining us for this conversation. GBR for LIFE! 

Listen on the Common Fan website, Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, Pandora, iHeart Radio, and PocketCasts.

Or watch now! 

• Similar to last year’s series, “The Reckoning,” the Common Fans once again bring you a summer series to look back at certain aspects of Nebraska football history to help you survive until football season.
• As the offensive coordinator of the Huskers’ first two national championship teams, and the head coach for the other three, TO is arguably THE central figure in Nebraska football history. 
• The series will look at his time as an assistant to Bob Devaney, straddling graduate school and football coaching before ultimately being elevated on Devaney’s staff; his early days as Nebraska’s head man in the ‘70s; his excellent, national championship-caliber teams of the ‘80s; and his dominant, record breaking teams of the ‘90s. 
• Through that lens, we also dig into the man himself, looking at what made him tick as a coach, his focus on process, how he handled players, the multiple ways in which he was an innovator, and much more.
• Guests for each episode include reporters who covered the era being examined, as well as players from each era. 
• Episodes will be released every Monday for six weeks starting June 23. 
• Former player guests include: Tom Ruud, Steve Taylor, Abdul Muhammad, and Grant Wistrom. 
• Media guests include: Tom Shatel, Mitch Sherman, Ken Hambleton, Mike Babcock, Henry Cordes, and Brandon Vogel. 

This episode will get you ready for the new series to launch on Monday. GBR for LIFE!

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GBR for LIFE!

• Optimism abounds at numerous positions of need. 
• While expectations are high for Matt Rhule in year 3, the Huskers will need numerous players who have been in the program for several years to take the next step. 
• They also need multiple transfers to have an immediate impact. 
• Dylan = obvious #1. 
• Who comes after Emmett Johnson in the RB room?
• WR Dane Key highlights a talented transfer class.
• Riley Van Poppel headlines a talented but unproven group of underclassmen. 
• Let’s not forget about special teams…

And much more on the latest edition of the Common Fan Podcast! 

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GBR for LIFE!

• One of the guiding principles of the Common Fan Podcast is: We Don’t Judge. 
• Whatever Nebraska football has made you do over the years, this is a safe place to share your experiences. 
• Whether it was punching the couch, putting a hole in the ceiling, or ending up in jail, the Common Fans share some of their (and their listeners’) most extreme reactions to Nebraska football over the years.
• 1994 Orange Bowl against Florida State? 2009 Big 12 championship game against Texas? The inexplicable Special Teams meltdown against Michigan State in 2021? All discussed during this episode. 
• Not to worry, we talk about the great wins as well, including: the Westercatch; the flea kicker; the first national championship of the ‘90s; and many others!

Pour yourself a glass of Big Red Kool Aid and kick back and enjoy this hilarious and engaging episode from the Common Fans!

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GBR for LIFE!

• The ax forgets, but the tree remembers. It’s time for Nebraska football to be the ax again. 
• Early part of the schedule lines up well for the Huskers. 
• Under the lights at Arrowhead. 
• First conference game vs. Michigan a major opportunity. 
• Husker fans sweating the trip to Minneapolis?
• No one knows that to make of Northwestern. 
• Ending with a grind vs. USC, UCLA, Penn State and Iowa. 
• Year 3 for Matt Rhule – it’s time to win some games we haven’t in recent years. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast!

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GBR for LIFE!

• Frost’s inability to say the word “Nebraska.”
• Many Husker fans want to see the former player and coach succeed again at UCF, but it would help if he could acknowledge his time in Lincoln. 
• The absurdity of Michigan trying to slap its own wrist as a penalty for the cheating scandal. 
• Why would the Wolverines propose Nebraska as the only conference game Sherrone Moore should miss? 
• Trae Taylor’s commitment: the first commit of the 2027 class is a big time QB who is already peer recruiting for the Huskers. 
• And finally, which Big Ten football coaches would make the best wrestlers? 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast!

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GBR for LIFE!

• Does anyone like PJ Fleck?
• The hate for Iowa burns strong. 
• First conference game at home vs. Michigan is massive. 
• USC is a mystery. 
• Surprisingly, Penn State doesn’t come up until late in the episode. 
• What about Game 1? Yet another unorthodox season opener, as the Huskers will open the season on the road against a Power 5 opponent for the first time in five years. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast!

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GBR for LIFE!

1) Questions Questions Everywhere

• While optimism around the program is high, there are a number of questions that won’t be answered until the season starts in the fall.
• What will special teams look like under new coordinator Mike Ekeler?
• Can the defense continue its stellar play that has come to define the Rhule era?
• How much can the offense improve under Dana Holgorsen?

2) Dylan Raiola is the Face of the Program

• Raiola joining the women’s flag football contest during the Husker Games is just the latest example of Raiola embracing his leadership role.
• Raiola is perhaps even more of a face of the program than Matt Rhule.

3) Just Win Baby

• Some of Rhule’s comments during spring ball indicate he understands the stakes for his third year leading the program.
• Rhule is hyper-focused on the one thing that matters most in his job: winning football games.
• Husker fans have been through so much over the last decade, even the most optimistic need to see it on the field.

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast!

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GBR for LIFE!

• What will Nebraska’s offense look like under Dana Holgorsen?
• RB depth behind Emmett Johnson. Do they look to the portal? 
• Outlook for the WR corps, with true freshmen Cortez Mills and Isaiah Mozee showing promise.
• Dylan Raiola’s leadership. 
• Contrasts between Dylan and Nico Iamaleava. 
• What’s the latest with the 105 man roster limit? 
• What to expect during the open transfer portal window. 
• The ever present question: will the Blackshirts avoid a falloff?
• Can all Common Fans finally start hoping special teams won’t be a liability this year? 
• Spring game weekend. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast!

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GBR for LIFE!

• Offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen’s recent comments about how the offense is progressing. 
• Running back depth behind Emmett Johnson an open question.
• Dylan Raiola fully invested: 
  • Assuming major leadership role going into year 2 at the helm of Nebraska’s offense. 
  • Playing a leading role in recruiting talent to Lincoln. 
  • Being a visible face around the University and the community.
• Two true freshmen wide receivers making a move and poised to contribute. 
• Spring game substitutes. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast!

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GBR for LIFE!

• The Common Fans are shocked to learn there are people out there who don’t want to talk about the third team linebacker in March. 
• In all seriousness, the crew has a respectful discussion about the back-and-forth that took place between some members of the Nebraska media and many fans last week. 
• The massive amounts of Husker football coverage and content stems from demand from the fan base, and that’s a good thing. 
• What can be learned from spring ball? 
• Understanding a younger generation that hasn’t seen much winning. 
• The boys also discuss:
• How the quarterback room stacks up after Dylan Raiola.
• How to define success for the 2025 season. 
• Which games would be the most disappointing to lose.

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast!

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GBR for LIFE!

• It starts at the top: new(ish) OC Dana Holgorsen is known as one of the best offensive minds in college football. 
• New position coach Daikel Shorts is Holgorsen’s one hand-picked assistant, and is a talented up-and-comer in the business.
• The returners: Jacory Barney and Janiran Bonner both made an impact in 2024, and are looking for more this season. 
• The transfers: Dane Key, Nyziah Hunter, and Hardley Gilmore IV all could see major playing time in 2025. 
• The newcomers: Cortez Mills, Isaiah Mozee, and Jeremiah Jones: which true freshmen will have an immediate impact?
• Question marks: will Demitrius Bell be healthy? Will Quinn Clark be part of the rotation? Will there be a surprise contributor this season? 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast!

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GBR for LIFE!

• Emmett Johnson – finished 2024 on a major high note and set to be THE GUY at running back in 2025. 
• Cortez Mills – the true freshman wide receiver most likely to make an immediate impact. 
• Keona Davis/Riley Van Poppel – two young D linemen who will need to take the next step if the Nebraska defense is to avoid a dropoff. 
• Vincent Shavers Jr. – was all over the field as a true freshman and poised for a starting role in 2025. 
• Heinrich Haarberg – new season, new position, same great athlete. 
• Honorable mentions:
  • Grant Brix
  • Willis McGahee IV
  • Cam Lenhardt
  • Hardley Gilmore IV

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast!

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You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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GBR for LIFE!

• Can the offensive line go from good to dominant?
• Year 2 for Dylan.
• Completely overhauled D line.
• Phil Snow effect.
• New look WR room.
• Can the defense avoid a steep falloff? 
• Who will emerge alongside Emmett Johnson at RB? 
• Mike Ekeler impact.
• What record constitutes success in 2025? What will fans be happy with? 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast!

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GBR for LIFE!

• Growing up around the baseball scene in Lincoln. 
• Journey from Lincoln Northeast to UNK to UNL to the New York Yankees. 
• Only Husker pitcher in history to notch a W in the CWS. 
• The unique and unbelievable feeling of getting drafted. 
• Winning with the Yankees.
• The midge game. 
• Favorite MLB manager. 
• Thoughts on the Yankees facial hair policy. 
• All that’s wrong with youth sports and travel ball. 
• Husker football fandom. 
• Belief in Matt Rhule and the direction of the program. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast!

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GBR for LIFE!

• BC’s take on new Associate Head Coach Phil Snow (spoiler: he’s impressed). 
• Pondering an interesting question: what’s more likely – problems with the new staff gelling in time for the season, or the new staff makes an immediate impact and helps Nebraska turn a corner in 2025?
• 2025 recruiting class: immediate impact guys, best of the transfer portal, and sleepers to watch. 
• What to expect during spring ball. 
• What will take the place of the spring game? 
• Thoughts on Pat Stewart, new GM of Husker football.
• Dropping the Tennessee series. 
• Reasons to hope for a leap in 2025. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast!

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GBR for LIFE!

• Everyone agrees – special teams must be better (and with Mike Ekeler on board, it will!). 
• Lots of belief in what Dana Holgorsen can do for the offense. 
• The moves Rhule has made (roster and coaching staff) + his experience = team-wide belief. 
• Can the Blackshirts continue to thrive under new coordinator John Butler? 
• On the lookout for an Emmett Johnson breakout season. 
• Schedule lines up nicely for the Huskers to make a run. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast!

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GBR for LIFE!

• Major losses on the defensive side of the ball, both through graduation and transfers leaving. 
• Can they replace Ty Robinson and the Polar Bear on the D line?
• Linebackers have an exciting mix of returning talent, transfer portal additions, and new recruits from the high school ranks. 
• O line added two major transfers – one from Alabama and one from Notre Dame – and they look to be in a strong place heading into next year. 
• Emmett Johnson is the man, but the running back room is otherwise lacking proven depth. 
• Major excitement about the incoming wide receivers. 
• Assessing the quarterback room with two new important additions. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast!

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GBR for LIFE!

• David City, Nebraska native Mike Ekeler is announced as Nebraska’s new special teams coordinator.
• Ekeler is an elite special teams coach, and may well end up being the most important addition of the offseason.  
• The Common Fans also discuss Matt Rhule’s comment that there will likely not be a spring game in 2025. 
• Whether you love the spring game or it doesn’t move the needle for you, this is one more example of the changes in college football working against the common fan. 
• Will Valentino’s and Runza still be served at Memorial Stadium? What kind of new options will be available? Questions abound as the Common Fans discuss the new concessions vendor for Nebraska football games. 
• And finally, the crew celebrates the addition of Rocco Spinlder, a veteran Notre Dame lineman who recently announced his transfer to Nebraska. 

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GBR for LIFE!

• The Huskers’ best – and perhaps quickest – path to the playoff. 
• Can Dylan Raiola take the kind of leap necessary in Year 2 to carry the Huskers to the next level?
• What Dana Holgorsen brings. 
• What the hiring of Holgorsen tells us about Rhule. 
• New coordinator, new players at every level: assessing the 2025 Blackshirts.  
• Rhule’s likelihood of success in Year 3 and beyond. 
• What would be considered a successful season for Nebraska football in 2025? 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast!

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GBR for LIFE!

• Evaluating the 2024 season: was it a success? 
• Biggest surprise from the season that was.
• Looking at the areas where Matt Rhule has exceeded expectations through two seasons, and where things haven’t been as good as expected. 
• Did Dylan Raiola do enough in his true freshman season for Husker fans to believe he can lead Nebraska to the promised land?
• Assessing the Huskers’ efforts to date in the transfer portal. 
• Looking ahead at the offense and defense for 2025. 
• Is it reasonable for Common Fans to hope for the patented Matt Rhule Year 3 leap? 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast!

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You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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GBR for LIFE!

• Year 1 of the expanded CFP: more football is better than less football!
• This year proved the expanded playoff makes the regular season more relevant, not less. 
• T Mac shares her perspective from being in the house for many of the biggest bowl and CFP games. 
• Big Ten vs. SEC: the never ending debate. 
• Kiffin’s comments: fair or unfair? 
• Bottom line: the easiest way to avoid being on the outside looking in is to take care of business.

And of course, the crew talks Husker football:

• Nebraska trending up in Year 3 under Matt Rhule.
• Dana Holgorsen impact. 
• College football is better when Nebraska is good. 
• T Mac’s love of Lincoln, which is built to host a CFP game. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast!

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You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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GBR for LIFE!

• Manageable non-conference slate, highlighted by the opener vs. Cincinnati at Arrowhead Stadium. 
• Similar to 2024, the back half of the schedule presents the biggest challenges. 
• Of the four Big Ten teams to make the playoff this season, Nebraska only faces one of them in 2025. 
• There are no easy games anymore, but on paper this looks like a schedule that could lead to a special season for the Huskers. 
• Patented Year 3 leap for Matt Rhule? 
• All three Common Fans’ predictions would put Nebraska well ahead of their 2024 win total. 

Enjoy this fun and frivolous discussion as the Common Fans break down every game of the 2025 season!  

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GBR for LIFE!

• What will it take to make special teams special again?
• Can we really expect the defense not to regress?
• Are the Huskers doing enough in the transfer portal?
• Offensive line: buying or selling?
• What can be done to improve game management in 2025?

The boys have a detailed and wide ranging discussion about where things stand and what needs to get better for Nebraska football in the year to come. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

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You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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GBR for LIFE!

• On a sloppy day at Yankee Stadium, the Big Red gets a W in the Big Apple. 
• Not always perfect, but the Huskers won the line of scrimmage and made big plays when they most needed to. 
• Offense moved the ball consistently.
• Youth movement takes center stage on defense. 
• Special teams disaster once again (but thankfully, not terminal). 
• Rahmir Johnson’s big day. 
• TyRob and the Polar Bear have their way with BC’s O Line. 
• Seniors get their bowl win, and hopefully set a foundation for much bigger success in the future. 

Plus, the boys talk about their excitement for what’s to come in 2025:

• Offense set for a big leap under Dana Holgorsen. 
• Even with major departures on defense, the combination of young talent, transfer portal additions, and Matt Rhule’s track record give hope for continued excellence by the Blackshirts. 
• Special teams overhaul. 
• Year 2 for Dylan. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

 Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR   

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Our Partners: 

You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/  

For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/  

GBR for LIFE!

• Growing up in Fullerton and how the bus driver helped him land at Nebraska
• How growing up on a farm helped him on the football field in the days when nobody lifted weights
• Devaney’s arrival in 1962 and how he turned the Huskers into a winner
• Wanting to run through a brick wall for Devaney
• Beating Michigan at the Big House
• Beginning of the sellout streak
• Playing in the Gotham Bowl in NYC
• 36-34 win over Miami on frozen turf at Yankee Stadium
• Nebraska’s third bowl ever, first ever bowl win
• What being a Husker has meant to him
• Thoughts on Rhule and today’s team

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR   

Check out our website: www.commonfan.co  

Our Partners: 

You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/  

For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/  

GBR for LIFE!

• Big leap on offense.
• Improvement on special teams.
• Can the defense hold steady? 
• Winning close games.
• How far off is the playoff conversation for the Huskers?

Plus, the boys talk about their planned Christmas feasts and favorite holiday treats: 

• Does anyone actually know how to cook a prime rib?
• Is turkey a Christmas food?
• Can’t go wrong with surf and turf.
• Favorite Christmas cookies. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR   

Check out our website: www.commonfan.co  

Our Partners: 

You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/  

For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/  

GBR for LIFE!

• Predictions for each first round CFP game. 
• Who has the hardest path? Who is best positioned to win it all?
• Who could make a run? Possible cinderella stories. 
• How close is Nebraska? When can Husker fans start dreaming of the CFP? 
• Predicting all the Big Ten bowl matchups. 

Plus, the boys spend a significant amount of time looking at Nebraska’s matchup with Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl: 

• Comparisons to the Gotham Bowl, Bob Devaney’s first bowl game in 1962. 
• Nebraska beat Miami 36-34 to finish 9-2, as Devaney turned around a program that had been in a historically bad phase.
• Which Huskers will even play? 
• Neither coordinator calling the offense or defense was in their respective role to start the season. 
• BC comes in at 7-5, having won three out of their last four after switching quarterbacks late in the season. 
• Head Coach Bill O’Brien is no stranger to the Big Ten. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

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Check out our website: www.commonfan.co  

Our Partners: 

You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/  

GBR for LIFE!

• It’s official: Nebraska will play Boston College in the Pinstripe Bowl in New York City on December 28. 
• Fan base seems torn: some disappointment about the bowl destination and the opponent, combined with excitement about the first bowl game since 2016. 
• Ultimately, it’s a step in the right direction. 
• Also, the crew discusses Scott Frost’s return as head coach at the University of Central Florida. 
• Happy for him? Don’t want him to do well? Somewhere in between? It feels like Husker Nation is all over the map. 

Plus, the boys discuss the latest with the transfer portal and the College Football Playoff:

• Emmett Johnson is back! 
• After initially declaring for the portal, the talented RB says he’s coming back to Nebraska. 
• There will be lots more portal activity. Husker fans just need to wait until the dust settles and try to relax. 
• Finally, the debate over Alabama vs. SMU in the first ever 12 team CFP bracket. 
• The Common Fans conclude that Alabama and the rest of the SEC are a bunch of whiners. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

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Check out our website: www.commonfan.co  

Our Partners: 

You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/  

GBR for LIFE!

• Defensive coordinator Tony White officially leaving for the same role at Florida State.
• Will defensive line coach Terrance Knighton follow him there?
• Dana Holgorsen locked in as offensive coordinator with a 2-year contract.
• Garrett McGuire out (but still w/the program), Daikiel Shorts in as WR coach. 
• Huskers losing major contributors to the transfer portal.
• What to make of the coach and player carousel?
• This is college football in 2024. While unsettling for fans, it’s as easy as it’s ever been to replace top coaches and players with other top coaches and players. 
• Let the dust settle before losing your mind about the latest news.
• There will certainly be more to come. 

Plus, the Common Fans discuss bowl game possibilities and national signing day:

• Nashville, New York, Phoenix, Charlotte? Which bowl game will the Huskers end up in?
• Is it better to have a bigger name, higher quality opponent, or a lesser one the Huskers would be more likely to beat? 
• Recruiting: Huskers currently sit at the #20 class in the country according to Rivals, and the #22 class according to 247. 
• Some big names still out there with the potential to land at Nebraska. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

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Check out our website: www.commonfan.co  

Our Partners: 

You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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GBR for LIFE!

The Common Fans break down Nebraska’s mind-boggling, infuriating, ridiculous loss to Iowa. 

• For the second consecutive season, Nebraska was in a tie game against Iowa with under 25 seconds left in regulation, with the ball.
• For the second consecutive season, Nebraska turned it over and gave up the game winning field goal before even getting to overtime.
• Huskers dominant in most phases of the game, except where it matters most: the scoreboard. 
• Still making too many little mistakes against disciplined teams.
• Special teams a disaster that must be addressed in the offseason. 
• Coach Rhule’s biggest hurdle–which may well define his tenure at Nebraska–will be figuring out how to start winning close games instead of losing them. 
• Ultimately, the loss to Iowa and the 1-5 finish to the season raise the stakes for Rhule. Fans will be hankering for a bowl win, and anxious for the Year 3 leap he saw at Temple and Baylor. 

Plus, the boys wade into the debate about Nebraska’s captains not shaking the Iowa captains’ hands before the game. 

• The Common Fans are of the school that you just shake hands and beat them on the field. 
• It’s a rivalry; we’ve certainly seen much worse across college football.
• But if you’re going to make a thing about not shaking hands, then you have to go win the game. 
• Iowa has been plenty disrespectful over the years, and they love manufactured outrage. 
• But the no-handshake stunt feels like the team’s focus is taken away from other things–like making field goals, returning punts, and tackling. 
• Ultimately you have to win this game. Everything else is a distraction.

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

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Our Partners: 

You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/  

GBR for LIFE!

• Huskers are going bowling!
• Possible bowl destinations. 
• The Dana Holgorsen impact: simplifying the playbook, promoting competition, improving performance. 
• What does Holgorsen’s future hold?
• Does he want to be a head coach again? Will he be back at Nebraska?

Plus, looking ahead to Iowa: 

• Night game in 20 degree temperatures. 
• Iowa has been very strong at home. 
• Hawkeyes on 4th string quarterback.
• They may not need much in the passing game – Kaleb Johnson is one of the best running backs in the country. 
• Iowa rushing offense vs Nebraska rush D: strength on strength.
• Would most Husker fans be happy with 7-5 at this point? 

Finally, some turkey talk:

• Favorite Thanksgiving dishes and side dishes. 
• What are we thankful for when it comes to Nebraska football? 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR   

Check out our website: www.commonfan.co  

Our Partners: 

You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/  

GBR for LIFE!

• Husker Nation is dancing in the streets as the Big Red gets to bowl eligibility for the first time since 2016. 
• The Nebraska offense played with fearless abandon, carrying the day and never letting Wisconsin make it interesting. 
• It wasn’t just beating the Badgers but how they did it: the Husker offense had its way with Wisconsin.
• Dylan Raiola, Emmett Johnson, Jacorey Barney and more show what this offense can be. 
• Time to pay Dana Holgorsen whatever he wants to stay as offensive coordinator. 

Plus, the boys talk about what it means for the program and the fan base:

• Resetting the narrative for the entire season. 
• Rhule said this will be the only time we celebrate six wins…but we are absolutely celebrating. 
• Bowl memories for a new generation of fans.
• Promise for 2025 and beyond. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

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Check out our website: www.commonfan.co  

Our Partners: 

You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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GBR for LIFE!

• Discussing Matt Rhule’s comments from the weekly press conference. 
  • With 105 man roster limits coming next season, Nebraska will have no choice but to cut players in the offseason. 
  • Rhule’s assessment of Dana Holgorsen’s offense. 
  • Comments about players not doing their jobs. 
  • Necessity of Nebraska getting to a bowl game. 
• Re-hashing the multiple crazy plays that defined the USC game. 
• Dana Holgorsen’s comments about poor WR blocking and RBs missing holes. 
• Discussing belief vs. hope. 
• Expanded role for Heinrich Haarberg?
• Where does Nebraka fit in the playoff era of college football? What should the expectation be for Husker fans be year-in and year-out. 

Plus, looking ahead to Wisconsin.

• Battle of the dysfunctional programs. 
• Badgers have fired their OC and will call plays by committee. 
• Head coach Luke Fickell feeling the urgency. 
• Still time for Nebraska to flip the script on this season. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR   

Check out our website: www.commonfan.co  

Our Partners: 

You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/  

GBR for LIFE!

• The loss to USC perfectly sums up the last decade of Husker football. 
• The unlucky bounces, the inability to make crucial stops on defense when needed, the offense not being able to convert key opportunities: all of it is all too familiar to the Big Red faithful. 
• The painful loss leaves the Common Fans wondering if Nebraska football is cursed. 
• Can the Huskers win one of their last two to get to a bowl game? 
• Have we seen enough through nearly two years of Matt Rhule to believe the team will turn a corner and take off in 2025?
• Examining the Dana Holgorsen impact. 
• The good-but-not-great Nebraska defense. 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR   

Check out our website: www.commonfan.co  

Our Partners: 

You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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GBR for LIFE!

• What Dana Holgorsen brings to the table. 
• How much of a difference can we really expect him to make this late in the season? 
• Discussing the changes we might see in the Nebraska offense. 
• Adopting Nebraska’s playbook more than implementing the Air Raid…but will there be any new wrinkles? 
• Holgorsen has a reputation for being a coach who is good at using the players at his disposal and putting them in positions to succeed. 
• Will Holgorsen be back in the same role in 2025? What about the rest of the offensive staff?
• Rhule proves once again that he refuses to stand pat and will make whatever changes he needs to make in order to get this right. 

Plus, looking ahead to USC.

• Will Dylan Raiola be healthy enough to play vs. USC? 
• USC having to prepare for a new offensive coordinator, Nebraska having to prepare for new USC starting QB Jayden Maiava. 
• Assessing USC Head Coach Lincoln Riley’s comments about Holgorsen, Nebraska as a program, and the upcoming game. 
• Finally, if Husker fans could pick one of the last three games as a guaranteed win, which one would it be?

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GBR for LIFE!

• Nic talks about his journey from enlistment through basic training, and shares his experiences through six years in the Army:  
  • Going through basic training. 
  • Deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan. 
  • Differences between servine in Iraq vs. Afghanistan. 
  • Watching classic Husker games while deployed.  
  • What Veterans Day means to him. 

The Common Fans also discuss a thought provoking email from a loyal listener, asking if things are any better at this point under Rhule as compared to the Frost tenure at the same point: 

• Slow start in year one with reasons for optimism in year two surrounding a new quarterback.
• Moral victories around games with Ohio State.
• Losses that should have been wins (but no wins that should have been losses.)
• Talented skill position players in the slot (Wandale / Barney Jr)
• A side of the ball that gave us flashes of confidence (the offense with Frost and the defense with Rhule).
• A highly sought after coach who hired a bunch of his friends to make up his staff.
• Below average special teams.

The boys agree the offense is the main problem, and hone in on the offensive line in particular. 

One thing can alter the trajectory of the program for the better: get at least one more win and get to a bowl game in Year 2.

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

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Our Partners: 

You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/  

GBR for LIFE!

• Assessing Coach Rhule’s comment that he’s bringing in outsiders to evaluate the offense, defense, and special teams.
• Should a staff of over 70 coaches and analysts need to bring in extra eyes? Is this a sign of concern or confidence? 
• Rhule also put the onus on players to some extent, saying players need to make plays and to take accountability when they don’t. 
• Is he blaming the players or sending a message they need to hear?
• So frustrating for Nebraska fans seemingly having to live through the same thing over and over and over again. 

The crew also discusses the lingering concern about apathy in the fan base:

• It may be impossible for Husker fans to ever reach the point of apathy, but it would be hard to blame fans for however they react to the current situation.
• Discussing former Husker Collin Miller’s Twitter thread calling out the crowd for a lack of energy. 
• The Common Fans take issue with the idea that the fans are in any way the problem. 
• Husker fans will continue to show up, and we’re strapping in for these last three games. 
• Bowl game or bust! 

All this and much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

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You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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GBR for LIFE!

• When it comes to Nebraska football, you cannot trust anyone. 
• Matt Rhule said the team played with a championship mindset against Ohio State; Nebraska showed the opposite of that against UCLA.
• Everyone is to blame: the Head Coach, the offense, defense, and special teams.
• The team came out flat, didn’t seem to have any answers against the Bruins. 
• The Huskers appear to have gotten progressively worse since the win over Colorado. 
• It continues to be so frustrating to see these performances when the fan base is so dedicated and is asked for more and more. 

On the bright side, the Common Fans talk about their first ever tailgate:

• Special thanks to Certified Piedmontese, Chick-fil-A, and White Elm Brewing Company for supporting the tailgate and the Common Fan Podcast. 
• Several friends of the program showed up. We love you all. 

The boys also explore some questions heading into the bye week:

• Why doesn’t Heinrich Haarberg get more of a chance? Not as the starter, but to lead entire drives. It would help the offense and help Raiola. 
• Will there be coaching changes after the season?
• How in any way is any of this acceptable?
• At this point, will Nebraska make a bowl game? 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR   

Check out our website: www.commonfan.co  

Our Partners: 

You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/  

For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/  

GBR for LIFE!

• Husker fans have seen variations of the Ohio State game so many times over the years–close but not enough.
• Even so, Ohio State was a culture game. Coming off the loss to Indiana, Nebraska needed to show some guts and they did.
• Ohio State game showed Nebraska has a formula to win…if they can replicate that performance. 
• Tough loss, but possibly the happiest the Common Fans have been after a Nebraska loss ever. 
• Evaluating the multiple bad calls in the game: is officiating worse than it’s ever been?

Plus, looking ahead to UCLA:

• Worst rushing offense in the entire country. 
• Quarterback Ethan Garbers has been a bright spot and looks to be healthy.
• A team with nothing to lose.
• Which Nebraska team will show up?
• If Ohio State really was a turning point, Nebraska should handle UCLA. 
• There are no excuses at this point. Nebraska will be favored at home with bowl eligibility on the line. Win the game. 
• Nebraska can win every game left on its schedule. How many will they win?

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You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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GBR for LIFE!

• Husker Nation dealing with a wide range of emotions after yet another heartbreaking loss.
• Whether you’re feeling rage about the loss, or feeling more pensive and hopeful, all Common Fans are welcome. 
• The boys are lamenting the missed opportunities, but ultimately feeling very encouraged about the direction of the program.
• Huskers showed a ton of fight the week after the disappointing, lopsided loss to Indiana. 
• There are no moral victories, but this game can serve as a major turning point for the program. 
• If Nebraska plays like that the rest of the season, they can win any game left on the schedule. 
• All of that goes away though if the Huskers lose to UCLA. They need to keep up the same level of effort and intensity the rest of the way. 

The boys also explore some questions heading into the bye week:

• Is John Hohl the answer at kicker?
• What’s the identity of this offense?
• Will Matt Rhule contemplate major shakeups on the coaching staff in the offseason?
• Can the Huskers bring this same effort and intensity the rest of the way?

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GBR for LIFE!

• Frustrations from the Indiana game boil over.
• Would the loss feel better if the Huskers had lost 35-7 instead of 56-7?
• 104 FBS teams have beaten a top 25 team since the last time Nebraska did it.
• Nebraska fans wrestle with watching a historic loser vault to success with a first year head coach, while the Huskers fail to meet their moment and get over the hump. 
• Offensive coordinator Marcus Satterfield’s comments at his weekly press conference don’t help things.
• Satterfield’s comments don’t jive with how Matt Rhule has talked about wanting to run the ball. 
• The OC also seemed lost on a question about yards per play, and his answer has the fan base buzzing. 
• Is Satterfield’s inconsistency a reflection on Rhule?
• The Nebraska fan base is as devoted as they come, but they are also smart football fans, and the seeming disarray from the coaching staff only adds to the frustration. 
• Huskers have to show some fight and have positive takeaways vs. Ohio State. 

All this and much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

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You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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GBR for LIFE!

• Huskers implode in major test against the Hoosiers.
• Was this loss worse than any loss of the Frost era? 
• A win over Indiana was never a guarantee, but no one saw Nebraska just completely failing to show up. 
• Huskers tossed around at both lines of scrimmage. 
• Belief that the defense could keep Nebraska in any game turned out to be way off base. 
• Offense has gotten continually worse in Big Ten play. 
  • Too quick to abandon the run; no identity whatsoever. 
  • Turnover bug rears its ugly head for the first time all season. 
• Psychology of a program: the entire Nebraska football program showing itself to be too mentally fragile…still. 
• Yet another opportunity for the Nebraska football program to turn a corner, to take the next step as a program, and not only do they miss the opportunity, they completely do the opposite of what they needed to do.
• Common Fans still buying what Coach Rhule is selling, but the product on the field needs to catch up to what’s being said. 
• Bottom line: performance completely unacceptable.

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

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You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/  

GBR for LIFE!

Big picture takeaways:

• Team has been inconsistent but has made significant gains compared to a year ago.
• Husker fans should be happy with 5-1, with much more left for this team to accomplish in the second half of the season. 

Report cards (tune in to hear the specific letter grades assigned by Mitch and the Common Fans):

• Husker defense has been excellent for most of the year. 
• Offense improving but inconsistent. 
• Special teams arguably worse than last year.
• Overall the team is trending in the right direction.

Schedule predictions for the remainder of the season:

• Mitch and the Common Fans go game-by-game to predict how Nebraska will fare in the second half of the season.
• The predicted outcomes range from 8-4 to 10-2. Listen to find out how the boys picked! 

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR   

Check out our website: www.commonfan.co  

Our Partners: 

You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

For more Husker coverage, check out Carriker Chronicles: https://carrikerchronicles.com/  

For more college football coverage, check out The College Huddle: https://thecollegehuddle.com/  

GBR for LIFE!

• Celebrating the 1-year anniversary of the Common Fan Podcast. 
• The Common Fans announce the first ever Common Fan tailgate, to be hosted during the UCLA game in Lincoln on November 2. Tune in for more information. 
• Putting a bow on the Rutgers game. 
• Looking ahead to Indiana: IU will come into the game against Nebraska at 6-0 for the first time since 1967.
• Hoosiers have won every game by double digits, averaging more than 47 points per game.
• Their D has also been very good: currently 14th nationally in scoring defense, 8th in rushing defense, 25th in passing defense, 7th in total defense.

Recapping and reviewing the first half of the year:

• Huskers have completely flipped the script on turnovers, now +6 on the year. 
• Defense is who we thought they were. 
• Special teams was a question mark coming in, and it’s probably been even more of a problem than expected. 
• Evaluating Dylan Raiola’s performance at the halfway point. 

Finally, what’s the ceiling for this Nebraska team for the rest of the year?

All this and much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

Subscribe on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR   

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Our Partners: 

You can now find all Common Fan videos and articles on www.huskermax.com as well as www.si.com/college/college-football/team/nebraska-cornhuskers.   

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GBR for LIFE!

• Huskers win an old fashioned, Big Ten rock fight against the Scarlet Knights.
• Nebraska led 14-0 at half and then held on for dear life for the win.
• Celebrate 5-1!
• Huskers learning how to win, have responded with backs against the wall the last two weeks.
• Blackshirts come up HUGE.
• Two interceptions, game-defining, 3rd quarter goal line stand headline performance by the defense, which also largely bottled up standout RB Kyle Monangai.
• With two blocked punts and a possible injury to punter Brian Buschini, Special Teams remains not so special.

The boys also explore some questions heading into the bye week:

• What to do about Special Teams? The place kicking unit, the punt blocks, and the coverage units have been anywhere from average to bad all season long.
• Concern about Raiola? The true freshman had real struggles for arguably his first time as a Husker.
• Huskers travel to Bloomington after the bye week to face Indiana, who is 6-0 for the first time in their history. Just how good are the Hoosiers?

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

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GBR for LIFE!

• Is officiating in college football worse than it’s ever been?
• Feeling like officials are being taught to throw flags more than ever.
• Evan’s take on the Purdue game:
• Defense turns back into “old reliable”
• Offense finally gets on track late in the 3rd quarter
• Disastrous special teams
• Purdue and Colorado both end up with the same final score: 28-10. Would fans prefer a hot start and coasting in the 2nd half (like Colorado), or the slower start followed by the strong finish (like Purdue)
• Not always pretty, but Husker fans need to appreciate that the team is winning.

Plus, looking ahead to Rutgers:

• Head Coach Greg Schiano’s teams have historically blocked a lot of kicks and scored a lot of non-offensive touchdowns.
• Schiano's teams are traditionally tough and physical, but this year’s defense has had more of a “bend-but-don’t-break” approach.
• Scarlet Knights come in as the #12 rushing offense in the country.
• Huskers are likely the more talented team, but can they avoid the type of mistakes Rutgers is known for creating?
• Next two games absolutely critical for Nebraska: Illinois, Purdue, Rutgers, and Indiana represent the swing games for Nebraska’s season, and the Huskers are right in the middle of that stretch.

All this and much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

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GBR for LIFE!

• Huskers overcome atrocious 1st half to win decisively
• Defense dominant once again
• Emmett Johnson coming out party
• 2nd half success a sign of growth for Matt Rhule’s program in Year 2
• Penalties, penalties, penalties
• Horrendous Special Teams
• Positive turnover margin very promising

The boys also explore some questions heading into week 6:

• What will the Huskers do about the kicking game moving forward?
• Is the ugly 1st half an indication that Nebraska is not as far along as they thought?
• Why can’t the Huskers get over the hump when it comes to penalties?
• Heading into Week 6, how good is Rutgers?

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

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GBR for LIFE!

• Did the Huskers’ performance against the Illini raise some concerns that affect how we look at the rest of the season?
• How good is Illinois?
• Decade-long drought in overtime games.
• Is Nebraska’s inconsistent run game a function of offensive scheme, personnel, or both?
• The Michigan loss was a turning point in 2023; could the Illinois loss have a similar effect in 2024?
• The crew discusses how important it is or isn’t to the fan base for the Huskers to be a good rushing team.

Plus, looking ahead to Purdue:

• Players pissed off and fired up in the mid-week press conferences.
• Boilermakers come in at 1-2 after going 4-8 last season.
• What kind of a test will this be for the Huskers?
• Managing the first road game.
• Purdue has run the ball consistently, but has one of the worst run defenses in the nation.
• Evan shares his insights into West Lafayette and Ross Ade Stadium.

All this and much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

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GBR for LIFE!

• Huskers lose in familiar fashion, with late mistakes, crucial penalties, and an atrocious overtime performance.
• Outcoached, out-schemed, outplayed.
• Perhaps more concerning than anything was the performance of the defense, which never really looked to be in control.
• Re-setting expectations.
• Another underwhelming performance by the offensive line.
• Special teams still costing the Huskers.
• Another rough performance by the officials.

It wasn’t all bad, as the Huskers still almost pulled out the W even in the face of numerous mistakes and setbacks:

• Dylan Raiola is absolutely the real deal.
• Wide receivers Isaiah Neyor and Jahmal Banks shine.
• Thomas Fidone is back!
• Defense forcing turnovers at key moments.
• Reflecting on the 400th consecutive sellout. 
• Time to turn the page and get back on track with a win against Purdue.

Finally, the Common Fans discuss the remaining schedule and whether/how much expectations have changed after the performance against Illinois.

All this and much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

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GBR for LIFE!

• Did the win over Northern Iowa tell us anything new?
• Team took care of business but expects to be better moving forward.
• D expects bounce-back performance after less than dominant showing vs. UNI.
• Looking ahead to Illinois: first ranked-on-ranked matchup in Memorial Stadium since 2014.
• If the Big Ten West still existed, would these two teams be the early favorites for best in the Division to this point in the season?
• At 3-0, and with what is considered a manageable conference schedule, the expectations – and the stakes – have risen for the Big Red.
• Thoughts on sellout #400.
• Where does the sellout streak rank compared to other streaks Nebraska has had?
• Similarities between Rhule and Devaney.
• Let’s go 1-0 this week, Common Fans.

All this and much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

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GBR for LIFE!

• While perhaps a little bit sloppy, the Big Red took care of business to get to 3-0.
• This offense is fun to watch - playmakers everywhere, and with Dylan Raiola, everything seems possible. 
• Nebraskans everywhere! Heinrich Haarberg (Kearney), Carter Nelson (Ainsworth), Jaylen Lloyd (Omaha), and Tristan Alvano (Omaha) make significant contributions in the win. 
• The boys love how Coach Rhule and his staff are able to identify and recruit young talent that can get on the field and contribute right away. 
• Special teams trending up!

The boys also explore some questions heading into week 4:

• The defense looked a bit less dominant, with some uncharacteristic missed tackles and trouble getting off the field on 3rd down. We won’t call it a question though, as the boys fully expect the Blackshirts to bounce back vs. Illinois. 
• Will the offense get Thomas Fidone more involved?
• What’s the plan with the running backs moving forward? Will they continue with the four-way rotation we’ve seen early in the season? 

This and much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan podcast. 

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GBR for LIFE!

• What does the win over CU mean for the rest of Nebraska's season?
• This appears to be the turning point we've been waiting for. 
• D line dominance: how the Huskers are getting to the quarterback while only rushing three or four players. 
• Will they need to blitz more in Big Ten play? 
• How much should we read into Nebraska's sloppy 2nd half on Saturday? 
• Dylan Raiola continues to impress, as Coach Rhule says “He’s at a whole other level. Those other guys better pick it up.”
• How concerned should we be about Nebraska’s special teams?

Plus, looking ahead to Northern Iowa:

• #21 FCS team will bring a run-first approach to Lincoln. 
• Concerns about a letdown?
• Huskers still in a place where they can't afford to look past anybody.

All this and much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast. 

• Like a school yard bully, the Huskers stuffed the Buffaloes into a locker on Saturday night.
• Nebraska’s defense was dominant throughout.
• The Buffs got punched in the mouth early, were in a big hole by halftime, and flat out quit by the 4th quarter.
• Dominant first half: not only did the Huskers execute at a high level, they seemed to get every break.
• Although the 2nd half was sloppy, the Husker defense made sure the game was never in doubt.

The boys also explore the major questions heading into week 3:

• Do the Huskers look to make a change in the kicking game?
• Was the O Line’s performance in the 2nd half a function of situational play calling, or is there cause for larger concern?
• Can the Huskers take the next step and learn to play with a lead?

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

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GBR for LIFE!

This week, the crew dives head first into Colorado week:

• Evan’s takeaways from the win over UTEP.
• Here comes Colorado.
• Rhule and Coach Prime keep it respectful and avoid providing bulletin board material (at least yet).
• The contrast in the two programs - Nebraska’s foundation built on rock vs. Colorado’s foundation built on sand.
• How important is this game to Nebraska’s season?
• Is this game disproportionately important to the Husker fan base?
• What Nebraska needs to do to win (hint: win the line of scrimmage and avoid turnovers).
• Don’t forget to stay hydrated, Common Fans.

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

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GBR for LIFE!

• So much to love about Dylan Raiola.
• Isaiah Neyor and Jahmal Banks: transfer portal success stories.
• The defense is who we thought they were.
• Hello successful two-minute drill, it's been so, so long since we've seen you.
• Emptying the bench like the old days.

The boys also explore the major questions heading into week 2:

• Are Dante Dowdell and Emmett Johnson emerging as the top two running backs? Or will we continue to see RB by committee?
• Has the offensive line taken a step forward or should we be concerned?
• How reliable is the kicking game?
• Can the defense get to the quarterback more than they did on Saturday?
• Can the defense get off the field on 3rd down?

And finally, looking ahead to Colorado.

This and so much more on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.

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GBR for LIFE!

• A tribute to Nebraska football fans.
• The hope that Dylan Raiola brings, both for 2024 and beyond. 
• What’s more important to the success of the 2024 Nebraska football team: that Dylan Raiola is who we think he is, or that the defense is what we think they are?
• Tom's recent column that served as an ode to college football, and an endorsement of the new playoff system:
  • "The College Football Playoff means more football. And it will revive New Years Day traditions and passions in us old spirits and give a new generation a reason to fall in love with the game."
• Tom predicts the Huskers will make a bowl game in 2024. 

And much, much more. 

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GBR for LIFE!

• The recent "this is why we lose" video of Coach Rhule addressing the team during practice, and the subsequent decision to close practice to media and guests.
• How Tony White flipped the defense in year one, and whether we can expect the Blackshirts to be even better in 2024.
• Adam's favorite player on the defense, along with the player he expects to make the biggest jump this season. 
• Expectations for 2024: have we reached the point where 6-6 will be a disappointment to most fans? What's a reasonable expectation for this year's team? 
• How players manage the grind of fall camp. 
• Adam's favorite Husker memories, including calling out a certain Nebraska quarterback and challenging him to a throwing contest.
• Adam's ability to throw a football more than 80 yards leading the Callahan staff to discussing whether or not they might want him to be their quarterback in Hail Mary situations. 

And much more!

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GBR for LIFE!

• Popular Head Coach heading into Year 2
• Young, dynamic QB expected to be a difference-maker
• Local and national media hype surrounding the team
• Belief in an improved culture and a team expected to make a big jump

The crew dissects the reasons the 2024 Nebraska football team can and should avoid the disappointment of the 2019 team, as well as some potential pitfalls:

• Defense, defense, defense
• Dylan Raiola
• Better playmakers, and more of them
• Can the 3rd down defense improve?
• Is the QB room depth a concern?
• Should we believe this offense can figure it out?

And so much more.

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GBR for LIFE!

• What made TO so good
• The 1994 national championship team and Kent's famous "Bring that trophy back to Lincoln!" call
• Lyle Bremser memories
• Outlook for Matt Rhule
• The feelings of losing the mic for Husker football are still raw
• The golden age of Big 8 basketball
• Outlook for Fred's boys this winter

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GBR for LIFE!

• Brando is high on the 2024 Huskers, and believes they will return to a bowl game. 
• He noted the favorable early schedule in particular, and thinks if the Huskers can start strong, they will get to eight or more wins. 
• High praise for Matt Rhule. 
• Tim shares stories from some of his favorite stadiums, and puts Memorial Stadium in the Top 10 in the country. 
• He also shares incredible stories from his time in the early days of SportsCenter, to mentoring young broadcasters like Gus Johnson, Joel Klatt and Brady Quinn, to getting paid $300 for his very first broadcast in 1985. 

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GBR for LIFE!

Before getting into Coach Rhule and the future of Nebraska football, the Common Fans talk through the post-Osborne era with Mike'l, and get his take on the missteps, the memories, and the what-ifs. 

The crew then examines:

• The thoughtfulness and humility of Coach Rhule.
• His attention to detail and commitment to focusing on problems until they get fixed. 
• Mike'l's belief that a Matt Rhule team will never have a bad defense. 
• What to make of this offense?
• The challenge of winning the B1G in the new world of college football. 
• How CFP appearances will replace conference titles as the measuring stick for programs. 
• As goes Dylan Raiola, so goes Matt Rhule? 

And so much more. 

Special thanks to Brandon Vogel of the Counter Read for joining the Common Fans for all of The Reckoning episodes. Make sure to check out www.counterread.com for Brandon's excellent coverage of Nebraska football, college football, and other Nebraska sports. 

And make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@commonfangbr.

GBR for LIFE!

The crew looks at:

• The absolute elation of Husker Nation when Frost was hired.
• His goal of combining Husker Power with Oregon speed.
• What if the Akron game hadn't been canceled?
• What if they get to a bowl game in Year 1?
• Struggles to adjust to the Big 10.
• Struggles to play complementary football.
• Struggles to get over the hump in close games.
• So many what-ifs. So many struggles.
• The COVID season.
• Reports of being late to practice, not calling recruits, lack of focus on details.
• How much do fans have a right to know?
• The weight of trying to get it right.

And so much more.

Special thanks to Brandon Vogel of the Counter Read for joining the Common Fans for all of The Reckoning episodes. Make sure to check out www.counterread.com for Brandon's excellent coverage of Nebraska football, college football, and other Nebraska sports. 

And make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@commonfangbr.

GBR for LIFE!

****

The Common Fans bring you Episode 4 of The Reckoning series. This episode, featuring long time Nebraska reporters Brian Christopherson and Brandon Vogel, focuses on the question: Was Mike Riley the Biggest Miss of the Post-Osborne Era?

The crew looks at:

• The very brief coaching search by then Athletic Director Shawn Eichorst as he quickly zeroed in on Riley.
• The challenging environment Riley walked into - a divided locker room, extremely high expectations, and the demand to win right away. 
• The 2016 season, when the Huskers got out to a 7-0 start and were ranked in the top 10 before the bottom fell out.
• The forced firing of Mark Banker, Riley's longtime friend and defensive coordinator, and the installation of Bob Diaco as DC.  
• The Riley team's recruiting efforts: Calibraska, Friday Night Lights, and more. 
• Biggest wins of the Riley era, including the 2015 Michigan State game and the 2016 Oregon game.
• The major turning points: the end of the 2016 season, and ultimately, the 2017 loss to Northern Illinois. 
• In the end, Riley was not the right fit for Nebraska, at a time when the Big Red really needed to get it right. 

Special thanks to Brandon Vogel of the Counter Read for joining the Common Fans for all of The Reckoning episodes. Make sure to check out www.counterread.com for Brandon's excellent coverage of Nebraska football, college football, and other Nebraska sports. 

And make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@commonfangbr.

GBR for LIFE!

The crew looks at:

• The hiring of Bo "restored the House of Osborne," according to Sam McKewon. 
• Pelini's fire was a welcome change from the more stoic Callahan, but it was evident from early on that his temper was fierce - and perhaps a detriment to the team. 
• Pelini's early success - two conference championship game appearances in his first three years - contrasted with the volatile and, at times, dysfunctional way he ran the team.
• Two massive turning points in the middle of Bo's tenure: Nebraska's move to the Big 10, and the unexpected blowout loss against Wisconsin in the 2012 Big 10 championship game. 
• The impact of Shawn Eichorst coming in as Athletic Director in 2012. 
• The infamous tape after the 2013 UCLA game. 
• The 2014 Wisconsin game that sealed his fate. 
• And much, much more. 

Special thanks to Brandon Vogel of the Counter Read for joining the Common Fans for all of The Reckoning episodes. Make sure to check out www.counterread.com for Brandon's excellent coverage of Nebraska football, college football, and other Nebraska sports. 

And make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@commonfangbr.

GBR for LIFE!

The crew looks at:

• The prolonged, messy coaching search that ultimately led to Callahan - Nebraska's fifth choice in the process - being hired.
• Upending tradition - installing the West Coast offense, moving away from the walk-on program, ignoring former players, and more.
• Callahan took the Huskers to the Big 12 title game in 2006, before it all fell apart just one season later. Was he one good defensive coordinator away from putting it all together at Nebraska? 
• Callahan went 5-6 in year 1; Matt Rhule went 5-7 in his first year. If Rhule goes 8-4 in year 2 and wins a bowl game, and then goes 9–3 and plays for the conference championship in year 3 (identical to Callahan), would he survive a 5-7 season in year 4? 

Special thanks to Brandon Vogel of the Counter Read for joining the Common Fans for all of The Reckoning episodes. Make sure to check out www.counterread.com for Brandon's excellent coverage of Nebraska football, college football, and other Nebraska sports. 

And make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@commonfangbr.

GBR for LIFE!

The crew looks at:

• Osborne's promise to retire after the 1996 season.
• Was the hiring of Solich always a sure thing?
• Solich's support (or lack thereof) among the other assistants.
• The high points: 2001 win over Oklahoma, 1999 Big 12 championship game, and more.
• 2002 - first season without 9 wins since 1968, and first time without a winning record since 1961.
• Did the majority of Husker fans side with Pederson after the firing of Solich?
• The next-to-impossible task of following not one, but two hall of fame coaches.
• What would have been good enough for Nebraska fans? Were the Huskers always bound to fire a 9-win coach? 
• Could Frank Solich have gotten Nebraska back to winning conference championships and competing for national championships? 

Special guest Brandon Vogel joins the Common Fans for all of The Reckoning episodes, and the featured guest for this episode is Mike Babcock. Make sure to check out the Counter Read at www.counterread.com for Brandon's excellent coverage of Nebraska football, college football, and other Nebraska sports. 

And make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@commonfangbr.

GBR for LIFE!

Special thank you to Brandon Vogel of the Counter Read newsletter, who joined the Common Fans for all six episodes, and made significant contributions to this series. Make sure to subscribe to his newsletter at www.counterread.com. Brandon is a fantastic source for all college football fanatics, and a friend of the Common Fan. 

In addition to Brandon, six different members of the Nebraska media - one per episode - joined us for an in-depth discussion of the era being examined. These episodes will make you think, make you laugh, possibly make you cry, and hopefully, they'll be somewhat therapeutic after all Husker Nation has been through.

We believe we are at the dawn of a new era of greatness for Nebraska football. But sometimes you have to look back before you can move forward. 

The Reckoning

June 17 - What if Nebraska Had Never Fired Frank Solich?

June 24 - Would Bill Callahan Have Worked with More Time?

July 1 - Bo-liever or Bo-leaver?

July 8 - Was Mike Riley the Biggest Miss of the Post-Osborne Era?

July 15 - How in the World Did Scott Frost Not Work at Nebraska?

July 22 - The Promise of Matt Rhule

Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@commonfangbr - the Common Fans will help you get your Husker football fix all offseason long as we roll toward kickoff on August 31.

Thanks for listening as always, fellow Common Fans, and GBR for LIFE!

Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@commonfangbr. The Common Fans will help you get your Husker football fix all offseason long as we roll toward kickoff on August 31.

Thanks for listening as always, fellow Common Fans, and GBR for LIFE!

Austin was the state of Nebraska's 2017 Gatorade Player of the Year in baseball, an All American baseball player for Kentucky, and was drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 2021 MLB draft. More recently, he has developed a large social media following for his hilarious videos depicting over zealous baseball coaches and parents, over-the-top drills, and much more. 

Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@commonfangbr. Enjoy another episode of the Common Fan Podcast and GBR FOR LIFE!

Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR. With four more months of offseason left, the Common Fans will help you get your Husker football fix and feed the addiction all the way until kickoff on August 31. 

Thanks for listening as always, fellow Common Fans, and GBR for LIFE!

• Dylan Raiola = QB1
• The quarterback room is in good shape
• Playmakers everywhere!
• Running back room is trending up
• Could this offense be a source of strength for the 2024 Huskers?

This and much more on our spring game episode. 

Make sure to subscribe at www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR, and enjoy another episode of the Common Fan Podcast! GBR for LIFE!

Plus - which games carry the most weight as the Huskers look to return to a bowl game for the first time in seven years?

Make sure you subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR and enjoy another episode of the Common Fan Podcast. GBR for LIFE!

Plus - culture, culture, culture. The 3-team spring ball competition, getting over the hump in close games, and much more. 

Finally - is Tom Shatel more like Obi Wan Kenobi or Yoda?

Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR and GBR 4 LIFE!

Eric Boggs, founder and host of the O-H-I-O Podcast and one of the visionaries behind The College Huddle, joins the Common Fans to share more detail about all the ways fans can engage with their favorite teams through this new community. 

Check out thecollegehuddle.com fellow Common Fans!

And don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR. 

GBR for LIFE!

• What Coach Rhule is focusing on to help the team get over the hump in close games
• Outlook for the offensive line
• Was the defense as good as we thought they were in 2023?
• Dylan Raiola assessment
• And much more!

Make sure to subscribe to the YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/@commonfanGBR, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook, and send us an email with all your Husker takes at commonfangbr@gmail.com.

Mike also shares some great stories about Tom Osborne, Roger Craig, Mike Rozier, and more!

Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channnel, youtube.com/@commonfanGBR, and like those videos while you're there. 

Enjoy another episode of the Common Fan Podcast! 

Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube Channnel, youtube.com/@commonfanGBR, and like those videos while you're there. 

Enjoy another episode of the Common Fan Podcast! 

Oh, and we talk a little football, Big 12 reminiscing, and yes, Trevor Kendall Alberts. 

Lots of fun and frivolity on the latest episode of the Common Fan Podcast.